In the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette captivated college basketball fans as a star player at BYU, becoming an iconic figure in the sport. During the 2010-11 season, Fredette earned Naismith and Player of the Year honors while guiding BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive time. His formidable scoring ability was unmatched, amassing a record 2,599 career points, the most in Mountain West history.
Fredette's journey took a new turn when he was drafted No. 10 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft. Despite the high expectations, his NBA career was marked by ups and downs. Reflecting on his professional 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, and I always tried to take full advantage of that by working hard and being prepared and believing in myself."
A New Chapter: 3x3 Basketball
Post-NBA, Fredette found success playing overseas and eventually ventured into the 3x3 basketball format. His talent and dedication to the game earned him recognition as the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year. This summer, he will headline the U.S. men's 3x3 basketball team at the Paris Olympics, marking another milestone in his professional career.
The 2024 Paris Olympics will be the second time 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event. Team USA's roster for the event includes notable players like Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. The team finished second at the 2024 World Cup, just behind Serbia, a formidable opponent holding fourth place on the world leaderboard and boasting a bronze medal from the Tokyo Games.
Olympic Challenges and Opportunities
Team USA will face a tough competition in Paris, squaring off against 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 teams finishing between third and sixth will battle it out in the quarterfinals. The medal round is scheduled for August 5, adding to the pressure and excitement for the U.S. team.
Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion in 3x3 basketball, secured third place at the 2023 World Cup and remains a significant threat. Meanwhile, Team USA aims to improve on its disappointing performance at the 2020 Tokyo Games where they failed to qualify for the event.
The Unique Appeal of 3x3 Basketball
3x3 basketball, played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, offers a distinct and fast-paced variation of the traditional game. Scoring is different, with field goals worth one point, or two points if shot from beyond the arc. No inbounds pass is required after a made basket, and the game begins with a coin toss to determine possession. Possession changes hands after each made basket, and players must clear the ball beyond the arc before attempting a shot.
Fredette commented on the unique nature of the sport, stating, "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."
A game is won either by being the first to score 21 points or by having the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter. If the game is tied after the quarter, the first team to score two points in overtime clinches the victory. This high-stakes environment adds to the drama and intensity of the sport, making every moment on the court critical.
Fredette’s Leadership and Legacy
Fredette has been instrumental in Team USA's journey to the Paris Olympics. His leadership and experience are invaluable assets to the team as they prepare to take on some of the world's best 3x3 basketball teams. As Fredette continues to evolve his game and adapt to new challenges, his journey serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and dedication in the ever-changing landscape of professional sports.