Fredette a Sure Bet to Be Bulls Fan Favorite

Monday meanderings: And the award for best newcomer in a supporting role goes to Jimmer Fredette. His performance as a Chicago Bulls reserve might not have been worthy of an Oscar (Robertson, not the Academy Awards variety), but it was sufficient to excite Bulls fans in a 109-90 victory Sunday at the United Center. It might not be exactly “A Star Is Born.” But a new fan favorite might have been.

A photo of Jimmer Fredette or of Arnold Classic competitor Larissa Reis? No question around here.

* Upon further scrutiny, Fredette might be worthy of an Oscar (as in Robertson). Well, if three minutes are any indication. Fredette, who passed up a shot to pass the ball in the fourth quarter, subsequently hit his first field-goal attempt. He also had two rebounds. He missed a three-point attempt in the closing seconds; otherwise Bulls management might have been forced to start ordering that work begin on a Fredette statue to be placed outside the United Center.

* Speaking of Robertson (the only player to average a triple double for a season), Bulls center Joakim Noah had 12 rebounds, 13 points and a game-high 14 assists. That’s Noah’s career high and the most by a center since Sam Lacey for the Kansas City Kings in 1978-79.

* Of Fredette, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said, “I think that he’s more than just a shooter. I think what he can do in the pick and roll can be very effective. He’s very good with the ball. He’s got to learn defensively what to do in terms of team defense and that’s usually the biggest adjustment. But the fact that he can shoot the way that he can, I think it complements our primary scorers as well.” Fredette can shoot from long range, although it will be interesting to see how much he will get off the bench to get off any shots.

* Guard D.J. Augustin led the Bulls, who had seven players score in double digits, with 23 points. Which would seem like a big plus from a bench player. His plus-minus rating was minus-2.

* Recuperating Bulls guard Derrick Rose was at the United Center with his son to watch the game. No wisecracks about his young son being ready to play for the Bulls before his dad is.

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