CJ Fredrick details struggle of missing last season

Kentucky guard CJ Fredrick experienced a major setback right before the start of the 2021-22 basketball season. He was already dealing with a minor leg injury in the preseason, but the day the season started, he tore a hamstring and wound up missing the entire year.

But back after redshirting in 2022, CJ Fredrick is on the mend and ready to make his mark this fall. During an interview, the junior guard was asked how he coped with missing the season.

“It was a tough year for me,” Fredrick admitted. He said he felt like he had to make an immediate impact when arrived on campus last season since he was a transfer. But he never was able to get healthy and show anything on the court last year. So that was frustrating. However, the injury was “a great opportunity for me to get my feet wet,” said Fredrick. He said he now understands John Calipari’s system much better. He “knows what Coach Cal wants. I know what he runs,” says Fredrick. Adding, “I’m familiar with the program.”

CJ Fredrick’s year off due to injury was an unwanted setback, but the former Iowa guard now has a year of experience with the Calipari system before ever having to play it. If the health holds up, he should be in for a big season with the ‘Cats.

CJ Fredrick background

Fredrick is entering his second season with Kentucky. He missed all of the 2021-22 year with various leg injuries, including a hamstring tear just before the first game of the season. Before transferring to Lexington, Fredrick spent two seasons at Iowa, where he started every single game he played in as a freshman and sophomore. 

For the Hawkeyes, Fredrick was an absolute sniper from three-point range. He converted 46.1% from deep as a freshman, then increased his accuracy to 47.4% as a sophomore, effectively making him the deadliest eye in the Big Ten. 

He also turned over the lowest percentage of his possessions of any player in the conference during his sophomore season in 2021. Kentucky was missing a sure-handed sharp-shooter in 2022.

Fredrick is set to return to the fold for the ‘Cats after missing all of the 2021-22 season. The Northern Kentucky native will be a much-needed shooting threat for the ‘Cats this upcoming season. But health will be Fredrick’s no. 1 concern until he’s fully comfortable once again. 

If he can stay on the court and knock down a few open shots, CJ Fredrick will be on his way to a stellar season.