It’s not clear exactly when Jimmermania began, but we can thank Kevin Durant for ushering in its arrival.
On January 26, 2011, BYU senior Jimmer Fredette scored 43 points against the No. 4 team in the country, then-undefeated San Diego State University.
Kevin Durant, at the time the favorite to win the NBA scoring title, then made a bold proclamation: “Jimmer Fredette is the best scorer in the world!!”
Jimmer Fredette is the best scorer in the world!!
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) January 27, 2011
“All of the sudden, people everywhere knew my name,” Fredette recalls.