BYU basketball: Fredette drawing more attention

FORT WORTH — Just as expected, opponents are guarding Cougar sophomore Jimmer Fredette with a lot more focus the second time through the Mountain West Conference schedule.

Fredette, averaging nearly 16 points per game, was probably the league's biggest surprise as far as an offensive threat for the first half of the season. Now, however, teams are not giving the crafty playmaker and sharpshooter from New York as much breathing room.

"Obviously they're guarding me harder and probably trying to do more things," Fredette said following BYU's 16-point win Saturday night over the Horned Frogs.

In BYU's past two games it's obvious that Fredette is going to get more defensive attention. But so far he's handled it pretty well by not really forcing the issue and using the attention he's getting to get teammates open shots.

"I'll just continue to take what's there, and if I don't have anything I'll get my teammates involved and things like that," Fredette said.

Following three straight 20-point-plus games, Fredette scored only 15 on Wednesday in BYU's second meeting with Colorado State. Against TCU on Saturday, the Horned Frogs limited Fredette to only three shots and two points in the opening half. However, Fredette did dish out five assists during those opening 20 minutes. And in the second half he finally broke free for 14 more points on 5-of-7 shooting.

Cougar coach Dave Rose said one thing that will help Fredette handle the added attention is the fact that he plays two positions. He starts at the point, but moves to the two spot when Lamont Morgan enters the game.

"It gives him a chance to get a different look," Rose said. "But he is playing with a lot of confidence and I think his teammates are getting more confidence in his ability to create his own shot."

Cummard moves up a notch: Lee Cummard moved into 12th on BYU's scoring list on Wednesday, passing Andy Toolson. He moved up another notch on Saturday with his 24 points, passing Jay Cheesman for the 11th spot. Cummard, now with 403 points this season, has 1,426 for his career and is only 87 points behind Kresimir Cosic for the 10th spot.

More praise for the BYU star senior: TCU coach Jim Christian said the Horned Frogs had no answer in trying to guard Cummard on Saturday night. He praised not only Cummard's ability to score, but his ability to make his teammates better.

"To me he's the best offensive player in the league, bar none," Christian said.