CJ Fredrick Entering Transfer Portal While 'Considering Professional Options'
After a few quiet days on the Kentucky basketball front, the next decision from the 2022-23 roster has been announced.
Shooting guard CJ Fredrick has announced via Instagram that he is entering the transfer portal while "also considering professional options."
"It has been a dream come true to play for Coach Cal, the University of Kentucky and the best fans in the world in Big Blue Nation. This experience has been so much better that I could have ever imagined. I have learned so much from Coach Cal on and off the court, and above all I am most grateful to him for teaching me how to be a servant leader.
Thank you to my fantastic coaches, trainers, doctors and support staff.You all were so great to me.
My teammates truly are my 'brothers for life.' I loved going to war with you every game and know we will have relationships for a lifetime.
Having to deal with a couple of freakish injuries I hope everyone knows that i've given my heart and soul to you and i'm proud that i'll always get to be a Wildcat.
In just a few weeks, i'll be able to proudly say that i'm a graduate of the University of Kentucky.
Having fulfilled this lifetime dream, I feel it is in my best interest to explore every option for my future for so many reasons. In addition to considering professional options, i'll be entering the portal while maintaining my college eligibility.
Thank you all for the support. Much love and respect."
Fredrick transferred to Kentucky from Iowa ahead of the 2021-22 season following a campaign with the Hawkeyes that saw the Cincinnati, Ohio native shoot 47.4 percent from 3-point range. He averaged 7.5 points and 1.9 assists-per-game that season, playing around 25 minutes a game.
With expectations high, injuries proceeded to take a toll on Fredrick over the course of his two seasons at Kentucky. He didn't play in the 2021-22 season due to a torn hamstring that was suffered in layup lines ahead of the Champions Classic game versus Duke to open the season.
After rehabbing and working his way back to full health ahead of last season, he was again bit by the injury bug on multiple occasions, as a dislocated finger and cracked ribs marred his final year as a Wildcat. He played 27 games, averaged 6.1 points, 1.5 assists and 0.8 rebounds while averaging 22.2 minutes. He shot only 35.1 percent from the floor and 31.8 percent from behind the arc, rarely playing fully healthy.
Fredrick has 10 games with 10 or more points, with his season-high coming in the season-opener vs. Howard that saw him connect on six of nine shots, equaling 20 points to go along with three boards and three assists.
Rumblings of a decision were quiet for Fredrick following the NCAA Tournament loss to Kansas State, as a return, portal entry or even retirement appeared to be on the table.
"It's been a long five years," Fredrick said following the loss. "It's been an unbelievable ride for me ... I truly am grateful for the experiences that I've had and I love the guys in this locker room."
Fredrick becomes the ninth member of the 2022-23 UK roster to announce a decision:
- Portal (2): Sahvir Wheeler, CJ Fredrick
- Draft (2): Jacob Toppin, Cason Wallace
- Testing draft waters (3): Antonio Reeves, Oscar Tshiebwe, Chris Livingston
- Returning (2): Brennan Canada, Ugonna Onyenso
More on the soon-to-be Wildcats HERE.
Inside Kentucky basketball's somber locker room after NCAA Tourney defeat HERE.
More on the potential roster overhaul in Lexington HERE.
More on the loss to Kansas State HERE.
Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.
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