Former Wildcat CJ Fredrick Announces Retirement from Basketball
CJ Fredrick, a talented sharpshooter and former standout at both Iowa and Kentucky, has officially announced his retirement from basketball, bringing an end to a collegiate career that was both promising and plagued by injury. The 23-year-old made the announcement on social media, reflecting on his journey with gratitude, humility, and honesty.
Fredrick began his basketball journey in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he starred at Covington Catholic High School. A prolific scorer and leader, he guided his team to a state championship in 2018 and was named Kentucky’s Gatorade Player of the Year. His high school success earned him a scholarship to the University of Iowa, where he quickly made an impact.
As a redshirt freshman in the 2019-20 season, Fredrick averaged 10.2 points per game and shot over 46% from three-point range. He earned Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors and established himself as one of the conference’s most dangerous perimeter threats. Unfortunately, injuries began to mount, limiting his time on the court. He played through pain during his sophomore season, ultimately undergoing multiple procedures to address lingering foot and leg issues.
In 2021, Fredrick transferred to the University of Kentucky, excited to suit up for a program he had long admired. However, his time in Lexington was marred by more injuries. A torn hamstring suffered during warmups kept him sidelined for the entire 2021-22 season. When he returned the following year, a series of setbacks—including a broken finger and a rib injury—further limited his effectiveness. Despite the adversity, Fredrick remained a vocal leader and valuable presence in the locker room, appearing in 27 games during the 2022-23 season.
In a final attempt to reignite his career, Fredrick transferred to the University of Cincinnati in 2023 to be closer to home and finish his playing days with the Bearcats. But after continuing to battle injuries and facing the emotional toll of constant recovery, he made the difficult decision to retire from basketball.
“This game has given more to me than I could ever imagine,” Fredrick wrote in his retirement announcement. “From the highs to the lows, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. I’m so grateful for the teammates, coaches, and fans who supported me along the way.”
Fredrick’s announcement was met with support from fans and teammates alike, many praising his perseverance and leadership. While his playing days are over, his impact on the sport—and on those around him—remains significant.
As for what comes next, Fredrick has hinted at staying involved in the game, potentially through coaching or youth development. He’s also engaged to former Kentucky women’s basketball player Blair Green, and the two have been active in community work across the Kentucky and Ohio region.
Though injuries may have kept Fredrick from reaching his full potential on the court, his heart, grit, and character left a lasting impression wherever he played. His retirement marks the end of a difficult but inspiring chapter—and perhaps the beginning of a new one in the world of basketball.
