Jimmer Fredette: From College Sensation to 3x3 Basketball Star
During the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette captivated the college basketball world as a standout player at BYU. Renowned for his scoring prowess, Fredette earned Naismith and Player of the Year honors in the 2010-11 season, guiding BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive time. By the end of his collegiate career, he had amassed a record 2,599 points, the highest in Mountain West history.
Drafted 10th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft, Fredette's NBA journey was marked by its ups and downs. Reflecting on his professional career, Fredette candidly remarked, "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, and I always tried to take full advantage of that by working hard and being prepared and believing in myself."
Following his NBA stint, Fredette found success overseas and eventually embraced the 3x3 basketball format. This abbreviated version of the game, played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, has grown in popularity and gained recognition as an official Olympic event starting with the Tokyo 2020 Games. However, Team USA failed to qualify for the Tokyo event, highlighting the competitiveness and unpredictability of this fast-paced sport.
Fredette's dedication and adaptability paid off, and in the summer of 2024, he will headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics. This marks the second time 3x3 basketball is featured in the Olympics. Fredette, named the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, has been instrumental in steering Team USA toward Olympic success.
Team USA’s roster for the Paris Games also includes talented players such as Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. The team demonstrated their potential by finishing second at the 2024 World Cup behind a strong Serbian squad. The competition will be fierce, with teams from Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands vying for the top spots in a round-robin format. The top two teams from this group will advance to the semi-finals, while those finishing between third and sixth place will face off in the quarterfinals.
The reigning Olympic champions, Latvia, secured third place at the 2023 World Cup, adding another layer of challenge for Team USA. As the games approach, the anticipation builds, with the medal rounds set for August 5. Despite the challenges, Fredette is optimistic and focused on the task at hand.
3x3 basketball is known for its unique rules that set it apart from traditional five-on-five basketball. Field goals are worth one point, or two points if shot from beyond the arc, and there are no inbounds passes after made baskets. The game begins with a coin toss to determine which team starts on offense or defense, and possession changes after each scored basket. Players must dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before attempting a shot. The first team to score 21 points or the team with the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter wins. In the event of a tie, the first team to score two points in overtime clinches the victory.
Fredette's transition to 3x3 basketball has not been without its challenges. He emphasized the sport's demanding nature, saying, "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 3×3 basketball, and it's different than five-on-five."
As Team USA gears up for Paris, Fredette’s experience, skill, and leadership will be crucial. His journey from college sensation to NBA player, and now an Olympic hopeful in a rapidly evolving sport, is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. With the world watching, Fredette and his teammates aim to make their mark on the Olympic stage and bring home gold.