Jimmer Fredette admits Jimmermania never reached the level of Linsanity.
Fredette, from upstate Glens Falls, was the buzz of college basketball last season, bursting out of nowhere and becoming a most-debated topic on where he would be drafted or whether he would make the transition to the NBA.
Fredette made the cover of Sports Illustrated, as did Lin this week. The jinx has so far hit Fredette, whose rookie year with the lowly Kings has been disappointing.
Fredette had wanted the Knicks to move up the in NBA Draft so he could play in coach Mike D’Antoni’s speedball system that favors point guards.
Fredette knows what Jeremy Lin is feeling in New York as he’s become a global phenomenon on which President Obama comments.
“It happened last year in college with myself,’’ Fredette said before his Kings’ 100-85 loss to the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. “It’s even crazier for here. Being in New York with all his madness. it’s something that hits you overnight. And it’s life-changing. I’m sure he’s experiencing it. He’s a smart kid, a great basketball player and he’s going to do a great job. ‘’
Fredette, the 10th pick in the draft, and Lin played four years of college. But they never faced each other with Lin at Harvard in the Ivy League and Fredette playing for BYU in the Mountain West.
Fredette, who scored eight points and had four assists last night, was familiar with Lin’s sensational six games and was greeted in New York with Lin on the front and backpage of The Post yesterday.
“I’ve been able to see it,’’ Fredette said. “He’s been all over the place. And he’s done a good job telling everyone it’s not just about him. It’s about the team, but he’s a big part of it and doing really well. It’s exciting to see new blood come in and play real well. I’m looking forward to playing against him.’’
Fredette, who had several Glen Falls family and friends in the crowd last night, worked out with the Knicks only days before Lin did in the summer of 2010. But Fredette returned to BYU.
“I remember his senior year because Harvard was very good that year,’’ said Fredette, who is averaging 8.2 points and 2.0 assists shooting just 37 percent. “They were in the top 25 for a while.
“He’s really good in the pick and roll they put the ball in his hands, you got to be a a smart point guard in D’Antoni’s system and he is,’’ Fredette said. “He’s doing a great job of getting his teammates involved.’’
marc.berman@nypost.com