Column: J.J. Frazier deserves all the accolades he can get
Fans who attended Wednesday’s 79-78 win over Auburn didn’t want J.J. Frazier to leave.
Truthfully, he didn’t seem to be in that big of a hurry either.
As fans chanted “J.J. ... J.J.” Georgia's senior star paused a moment to kiss the "G" on the center of Stegeman Coliseum's court as the post-game serenade continued to shower down upon him.
“I love this school, man,” said Frazier, surrounded by reporters while perched on a stool inside the Bulldogs’ post-game interview room. “Words can’t describe how much it means to me, how much heart and soul I put into this University.”
Love him up, Bulldog fans, there may not be another like him for a while.
At 5-foot-10 and 155 pounds, Frazier has endeared himself to the Bulldog Nation, something that historically hasn’t been very easy for a basketball player to do, leastways at UGA.
But Frazier is different.
You won’t find a more competitive individual than this native of Glennville, known primarily for its onions, along with being the home town of former NFL stars Sterling and Shannon Sharpe.
His numbers – particularly over Georgia’s last six games - have been truly amazing.
For those counting, and you should, Frazier has accounted for 124 points over the last four games, and is one of now nine players nationally to reach that mark in a four-game span, including just two Power Five conference players (Markelle Fulz of Washington is the other).
With Wednesday’s 31-point effort, he’s the first SEC Player to get 30 points, five rebounds and five assists dating back prior to the 2010-2011 season.
“He’s got a lion’s heart, he’s a lion,” freshman teammate Tyree Crump said. “He doesn’t ever give up. He’s always going to give it his best. He’s the leader of this team and he’s going to let you know. You need a leader like that. We’re fortunate enough to have him.”
Head coach Mark Fox has given up trying to come up with adjectives to describe him.
“He refuses to let us lose,” Fox said. “He’s a phenomenal competitor … J.J. is a great leader in battle. I can’t say enough good things about him and he carried us to victory tonight. I’m glad we had some people come tonight to appreciate him because he has just been an outstanding player for us.”
Even down 16 points, Frazier wasn’t about to let his teammates quit.
“I looked in the huddle and said, 'Hey, we’ve been through worse,'” Frazier said. “Sixteen points and we had 28 minutes left. We just had to find a way to get stops and rebounds.”
Opposing coaches have been singing his praises all year.
After Georgia’s loss to South Carolina, Gamecock head coach Frank Martin pulled Frazier aside after the game for a private word. Ditto for Kentucky coach John Calipari, after Frazier scored 36 points against the Wildcats two weeks ago.
Auburn's Bruce Pearl was just as effusive in his praise.
“Frazier is terrific,” he said. “We probably could have done a better job getting it out of his hands a little bit more, but he made some tough shots.”
Bulldog fans who have watched him over his four years in Athens have been used to that for a while now.
But rest on his laurels? Not Frazier.
When asked what kind of momentum Wednesday’s win gave, he shot back with an answer quicker than he lets go on a jumper from the top of the key.
“Zero,” said Frazier. “We take it one game at a time, man. It could turn quick, so you have to be focused and locked in.”
With Frazier leading the way, that shouldn’t be a problem.
Want more numbers?
Wednesday’s effort marked the 27th time this year he’s finished in double-figures, the 20th in which he’s scored at least 20 points and the second time he’s reached 30. It’s worth noting that both of his 30-plus outings have come while Maten has been out with his strained right knee.
All-SEC? That’s a lock.
Player of the Year? You could make that argument, although beating out Kentucky’s Malik Monk and South Carolina’s Sindarius Thornwell won’t be easy.
But even if that doesn’t happen, Dawg fans, enjoy what games Frazier has left.
He’s special.
Georgia’s little big man is truly one of a kind.
