In the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette captured the hearts of college basketball fans as a standout player at BYU. His electrifying performances and scoring prowess earned him Naismith and Player of the Year honors in the 2010-11 season. Fredette’s storied college career saw him lead BYU to the Sweet 16 twice, and he accumulated a record-breaking 2,599 career points, the highest in Mountain West history. Drafted No. 10 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft, Fredette's transition to the NBA, however, proved challenging.
"Obviously the NBA career was very up-and-down, but that doesn't just happen to just me," Fredette remarked. "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 resilience and adaptability eventually led him to find success playing overseas and exploring new formats like 3x3 basketball. His journey in 3x3 basketball has been remarkable, even earning him the title of 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year.
Headlining Team USA at Paris 2024
In the summer of 2024, Jimmer Fredette will head to the Paris Olympics as a key player for the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team, marking an exciting chapter in his basketball journey. This will be only the second time 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event, following its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games where Team USA failed to qualify.
Joining Fredette on Team USA are Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. The team demonstrated their potential by finishing second at the 2024 World Cup, just behind Serbia. The competition will be fierce in Paris, with Team USA set to face seasoned teams from Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands in a round-robin format. The top two teams will advance to the semi-finals, while those finishing between third and sixth will compete in the quarterfinals.
The reigning Olympic champions, Latvia, secured third place at the 2023 World Cup, and Serbia, a dominant force in 3x3 basketball, holds the fourth place on the world leaderboard with a bronze from Tokyo. The challenge is clear, but Fredette's leadership and scoring ability will be pivotal for Team USA's quest for Olympic glory.
A Different Format, A New Challenge
3x3 basketball presents a unique set of challenges and dynamics, distinct from the traditional five-on-five game. Played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, teams score either one point for a field goal or two points for shots made from beyond the arc. There is no inbounds pass after a made basket, and the game starts with a coin toss to determine initial possession.
Possession changes rapidly; after each made basket, players must dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before attempting a shot. A team either wins by being the first to score 21 points or by having the higher score when the single 10-minute quarter ends. If tied, the first team to score two points in overtime wins.
"The way this sport works, you either really like it or you don't like it at all," Fredette explained. "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."
Fredette's Legacy
Fredette’s impact on Team USA's journey to the Paris Olympics has been significant, showcasing his adaptability and persistence. From college sensation to an NBA player, and now an instrumental figure in 3x3 basketball, his career embodies the spirit of adaptation and perseverance.
As Team USA gears up for the Paris Games, fans and pundits alike will be watching to see how Fredette and his teammates navigate the fast-paced and intensely emotional format of 3x3 basketball. The road ahead is challenging, but with Fredette's talent and experience, hopes are high for a strong performance and a potential podium finish in Paris.