The journey of Jimmer Fredette through the landscapes of both professional and international basketball has been nothing short of remarkable. Once a star college basketball player at BYU during the early 2010s, Fredette’s career has taken various turns, culminating in his imminent role as the leader of Team USA’s 3x3 men's basketball team at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
From College Stardom to Professional Challenges
Fredette’s college career at BYU was marked by extraordinary achievements. He earned Naismith and Player of the Year honors in the 2010-11 season, guiding BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive season. By the end of his college career, Fredette had amassed a record 2,599 points, the highest in Mountain West history. These accomplishments led to his selection as the No. 10 overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft.
However, Fredette's NBA journey did not unfold as spectacularly as his college career. “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,” Fredette reflected. "But as one door closes, another door opens."
Rising in the 3x3 Format
After his stint in the NBA, Fredette found success playing overseas, eventually venturing into the fast-paced world of 3x3 basketball. His skills and experience have been instrumental in elevating Team USA's profile in this emerging format. Recognized as the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, Fredette has been a crucial figure in leading Team USA to qualify for the Paris Olympics, a significant achievement considering the team’s previous failure to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Team USA Prepares for Paris
The 2024 Paris Games will mark only the second time 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event. Team USA’s roster, inclusive of players like Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry, aims to make a significant impact. The team recently finished second at the 2024 World Cup, trailing behind Serbia, who currently holds fourth place on the world leaderboard and bagged a bronze medal in Tokyo. Latvia, who reigned as the Olympic champion, secured third place at the 2023 World Cup.
In Paris, Team USA will battle in a round-robin format against formidable opponents including Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The top two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals, while those finishing between third and sixth will face off in the quarterfinals. The medal round is scheduled for August 5.
The Unique Dynamics of 3x3 Basketball
3x3 basketball, played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, brings its unique set of rules and dynamics. A field goal is worth one point, or two points if shot from beyond the arc. Unlike traditional basketball, there is no inbounds pass after a made basket. The game begins with a coin toss to determine which team starts on offense or defense, and possession changes after each made basket. Players must take the ball outside the arc before attempting a shot.
The format is designed for quick, high-energy play. A team wins by being the first to score 21 points or having the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter. If the game is tied after the quarter, it moves to overtime where the first team to score two points wins.
Fredette commented on the nature of 3x3 basketball, 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 3x3 basketball and it's different than five-on-five."
As the countdown to the Paris Olympics continues, Fredette’s journey from college superstar to 3x3 basketball leader underscores the resilience and adaptability required in professional sports. His leadership and passion for the game offer a significant boost to Team USA's prospects, as they prepare to compete on the world’s most prestigious stage.