CJ Fredrick reveals what kind of player Kentucky fans will see

Kentucky fans still haven’t seen CJ Fredrick play in a Wildcats uniform as he dealt with injuries last season. But as the offseason rolls on, he’s hoping to play a big role for John Calipari’s group in 2022-23.

Fredrick transferred to Kentucky last year after two seasons with Iowa, where he averaged 8.8 points per game over 52 starts with the Hawkeyes. As he works to get back on the court this year, he told reporters what he hopes fans will see from him.

“I hope they see someone that just plays super hard,” Fredrick said during the Kentucky Kroger Tour at Georgetown. “Someone that’s going to make shots and just compete on both ends of the floor and make the right play always. Just help the team in any way I can.”

Kentucky is looking to build off a strong 2021-22 season. The Wildcats finished 26-8 overall, 14-4 in SEC play and became a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

CJ Fredrick offers high praise to Kentucky freshman class

Kentucky’s calling card since the arrival of John Calipari has been top-notch freshmen. This year’s three-man class was no exception as it ranked as the No. 5 class in the nation, according to On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Ranking.

The additions of Cason Wallace and Chris Livingston, a pair of Top 20 recruits, along with Adou Thiero will all be key for the Wildcats this season. Kentucky guard CJ Fredrick said those freshmen are by no means normal freshmen.

Fredrick spoke highly of the trio during UK’s state tour in Georgetown, Kentucky. He said their bodies and size alone sets them apart from a normal freshmen, including himself in 2019.

“I love our freshmen,” Fredrick said. “All of them are great. They’re not typical freshmen. When I came as a freshman, my body wasn’t like theirs.”