Kawhi Leonard to participate in Jimmer Fredette all-star games

PROVO — They were rivals during their years playing against each other in the Mountain West Conference. Now, former BYU star Jimmer Fredette and former San Diego State star Kawhi Leonard, both first-round NBA draft picks, will extend their rivalry into the professional ranks.

Jimmer's All-Stars Presented by Zions Bank announced Tuesday that Leonard will participate in the two exhibition games later this month, and Leonard will captain the team opposite of Fredette.

Leonard's team will be coached by SDSU coach Steve Fisher, while Fredette's team will be guided by BYU coach Dave Rose. Both teams will feature some of the NBA's top players from last June's draft. Former UConn star Kemba Walker and former Duke star Nolan Smith — both were first-round draft picks — have already been added to the roster and other players will be named in the coming days.

"Over the past few years, Kawhi and I have played in some truly memorable games against each other," Fredette said. "You know what you're going to get from Kawhi each time he steps on the court and I can't wait for him to bring that energy and passion to our exhibition games. Hopefully we'll have another great duel that the fans will long remember."

Leonard was the No. 15 pick overall of the San Antonio Spurs last June. Fredette was selected by the Sacramento Kings at No. 10.

The two exhibition games will be held on Sept. 21 at the Maverik Center and Sept. 22 at the Marriott Center in Provo. Both games are scheduled to tipoff at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the respective venues' box offices, websites or by phone.

email: jeffc@desnews.com