CJ Frederick didn’t duck a question about his high school recruitment by admitting Kentucky did not recruit him even though he led Covington Catholic to the state title his senior year.
“I kind of was locked in on Iowa throughout the whole state tournament. I was honored by that commitment and that opportunity, so I never really thought of a different opportunity,’ said Frederick Tuesday. “I’m super excited for this opportunity now. It’s something that, as a kid, I never thought would happen.”
That opportunity to play at Kentucky came when he decided to leave Iowa after two productive seasons where he shot 47 percent from 3-point range.
“I felt like it was best for me and my career to make this move and just develop more as a player, a teammate, a person,” Frederick said. “Kentucky in no way had reached out to me before the portal.”
Obviously, Frederick heard and read reports that his transfer to UK was a done deal before he even entered the transfer portal and put those rumors to rest.
“I went through the whole recruiting process when I was in the portal,” Frederick said. “I just felt like this was the best opportunity for me. I took my time. I went through all of the information and this was the place that I felt was best for me and my career.”
He actually thinks he is better prepared to play at UK now than he would have been two years ago because of his experience at Iowa.
“My game has just evolved in so many ways. I’m just more mature on the court,” he said. “In high school I kind of just went out and played, and now being in college I’ve kind of been able to read the game more. There’s so much about the game that you just kind of have to sit back and learn more about.
“I feel just in control on the court. I can read things a step before it happens, so with the right development and the right people, I think I can really excel.”
Frederick said Calipari’s “competitive drive” was obvious as soon as he talked to the UK coach — and he liked that.
“I’m a competitive person and I love to win, so the conversations with him were really cool. One thing specifically I liked about him is he didn’t just sit there and tell me how great I was. We went through film and he showed me ways that I need to get better and showed me ways that I can improve my game, so that’s something I really respected from him,” Frederick said.
The UK coach also made it clear to Frederick that he was needed at Kentucky.
“I felt like I would be in good hands with him as it came with developing. But right away I felt a need. He told me he needed me to come in, just make shots, set an example for these guys, come in the gym every day to work, and that’s something I love to do,” he said.
“I did it in high school, I did it in college, so I felt needed and I felt like this was the place for me.”
He also made it clear he “loved” his three years (he redshirted his freshman year) at Iowa and how everyone made it feel at home.
“I’m forever grateful for the opportunity they’ve given me and how great the fans and the people were to me. I met my best friends at that school, so I wish nothing but the best for them,” he said.
“Obviously, they’re going to hold a special place in my heart for that. But like I said, I just wanted something new.”