After a seven-year journey through college basketball and three different programs, former Iowa guard CJ Fredrick announced his retirement from the game on Wednesday via social media.
In his post, Fredrick reflected on his basketball career, saying, “Man, what a ride. This game has given me more than I ever imagined. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to play the game and visit places I dreamed of as a kid. Even through the tough times, it was all worth it. I’ll always love basketball and the lifelong relationships it’s brought me. To my teammates, coaches, trainers, family, and everyone I’ve crossed paths with — thank you for letting me be part of your journey. I hope to give back to the game that gave me so much. Thank you.”
CJ Fredrick began his college basketball journey with the Iowa Hawkeyes during the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season, spending two years in Iowa City. In his time with the Hawkeyes, he averaged 8.8 points while shooting an impressive 47.9% from the field, 46.6% from beyond the arc, and 74.4% from the free-throw line. He also contributed 2.3 assists, 1.5 rebounds, 0.5 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game, starting all 52 contests and logging 26.6 minutes per outing.
After the 2020-21 season, Fredrick transferred to Kentucky, where he remained for two years. He missed his first season with the Wildcats due to a hamstring injury that required surgery, but returned for the 2022-23 season. During his time on the court in Lexington, he averaged 6.1 points while shooting 35.1% from the floor, 31.8% from three, and 91.7% from the line. He added 1.5 assists, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks in 22.3 minutes per game, starting 15 times in 27 total appearances.
Fredrick wrapped up his college career at Cincinnati, where he played two seasons after transferring again following his stint at Kentucky. With the Bearcats, he averaged 3.4 points on 39.4% shooting, including 41.7% from three-point range, and 70.6% from the foul line. He also averaged 0.9 assists and 0.8 rebounds while making 10 starts in 34 games and averaging 14.2 minutes per contest.
Despite battling a long list of injuries—including to his hamstring, ribs, ankle, feet, and back—Fredrick closes the book on his playing career with 113 total games played and a journey that spanned three programs and countless challenges.
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