Famous Latter-day Saints

Jimmer Fredette on Living His Faith in China & His Unexpected Conversation with Yao Ming

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Recently, Yao Ming contacted LDS basketball player Jimmer Fredette, who now plays for the Shanghai Sharks, with good news. Fredette broke Yao Ming's record. Averaging 40 points a game, Fredette set a new record for scoring over 30 points for the most consecutive games in the Chinese Basketball Association.

When he learned about his new record, Fredette apologized to Yao Ming, saying he wasn't intending to break records. He's just trying to play his best. "You don't want to focus on [records and glory]," Fredette says in a video with CGTN. "You don't want to get happy and complacent. You want to make sure to work as hard as you can."

During the interview, the topic of Fredette's faith arose right alongside Fredette's sudden rise to stardom.

Nicknamed "The Lonely God" by the Chinese, Fredette says he's been able to keep connected with the LDS Church.

"There is a Mormon community here. So I have met a lot of people that have gone to BYU that have invited me over to their house,"  Fredette says.

In addition, Fredette has made an impact on the community by living his values and standing as an example.

"I always try to treat people with kindness and respect. That's what it's all about; that's how my parents raised me," he says. "Everbody is the same. No matter where you are, you are not better than anyone else.  That's what life is all about; it's not just about basketball, it's about having fun and being a good person."

CGTN's reporter, blown away by Fredette's humility and kindness, remarks, "Well Jimmer Fredette, you are quite possibly the nicest man I have met in basketball."

Watch the full video:

Jimmer Fredette, five-year NBA veteran, reignites career with CBA team Shanghai Sharks in China @jimmerfredettepic.twitter.com/TdBczOk9oO — CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) January 8, 2017

Thanks to the Deseret News for making us aware of this interview.
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