Jimmer Fredette: From College Star to 3x3 Olympic Hopeful
During the early 2010s, the name Jimmer Fredette was synonymous with college basketball excellence. An electrifying player at BYU, Fredette earned accolades including the Naismith and Player of the Year honors during the 2010-11 season. His scoring prowess led him to a record 2,599 career points, the most in Mountain West history, and he guided BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive time in his standout 2010-11 season.
Despite his college success, Fredette’s NBA career was a rollercoaster. Drafted No. 10 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft, Fredette struggled to find a consistent role in the league. Reflecting on his pro journey, Fredette said, "Obviously the NBA career was very up-and-down, but that doesn't just happen to just me. It's about trying to find the right fit at the right time in the right situation, and that didn't quite happen the way it could have for me. But as one door closes, another door opens."
Fredette's next opportunity came abroad, where he found success playing overseas. Yet, the game continued to evolve, and so did Fredette's career. He ventured into the 3x3 basketball format, a variant of traditional basketball played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock. In 3x3, a field goal is worth one point, or two points if shot from beyond the arc, and possession changes after each made basket with no inbounds pass needed. After his transition, Fredette quickly made his mark, becoming an influential figure in Team USA's 3x3 setup.
Return to the Spotlight
The upcoming Paris Olympics in the summer of 2024 presents a new stage for Fredette, now set to headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team. It will be the second time 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event, after making its debut in the Tokyo 2020 Games. Notably, Team USA did not qualify for 3x3 basketball in Tokyo, leaving the upcoming Paris Games as a chance for redemption.
Fredette’s commitment and skill in the 3x3 format earned him the distinction of 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year. "As one door closes, another door opens, and I always tried to take full advantage of that by working hard and being prepared and believing in myself," he stated, embodying the relentless drive that fuelled his career.
Joining Fredette on Team USA are Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. The team finished second at the 2024 World Cup behind Serbia, a formidable opponent who holds fourth place on the world leaderboard and secured a bronze medal in Tokyo. Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion in 3x3 basketball, claimed third place at the 2023 World Cup, adding to the competition's intensity in Paris.
Olympic Path
In Paris, Team USA will face strong competition from Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands in a round-robin format. The top two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals, while the teams finishing between third and sixth will compete in the quarterfinals. The medal round is scheduled for August 5, 2024.
Fredette's journey with Team USA highlights the unique challenges and emotions inherent in 3x3 basketball. "The way this sport works, you either really like it or you don't like it at all. That people love it or hate it, I see the reasons why. It's difficult, there's a lot of travel involved all across the world. Sometimes you travel 36 hours for a tournament and if you lose two games you're done in like 20 minutes. ... There's just so much emotion in 3x3 basketball and it's different than five-on-five," Fredette explained, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of the sport.
With a format that requires quick adaptability and mental toughness, Fredette’s experience and resilience position him as a vital player for Team USA. The game starts with a coin toss to decide which team begins on offense or defense, and the first team to score 21 points, or the team with the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter, wins. If tied after regulation, the game goes into overtime, where the first team to score two points emerges victorious.
Fredette’s inclusion in the U.S. Olympic squad not only signifies his personal achievements but also represents a broader narrative of perseverance and adaptability in sports. As he leads Team USA into the Paris Olympics, fans and teammates alike will look to Fredette's experience and talent to capture gold in this fast-paced, exhilarating format of basketball.