During the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette was the darling of college basketball, capturing the nation’s attention with his extraordinary skills at BYU. Crowned with Naismith and Player of the Year honors in the 2010-11 season, Fredette also led BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second year in a row. He finished his college career with 2,599 points, setting a record for the most in Mountain West history.
Drafted 10th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft, Fredette's NBA journey was marked by highs and lows. Reflecting on his career, Fredette noted, "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."
After his fluctuating NBA stint, Fredette found considerable success overseas before venturing into the growing 3x3 basketball format. This pivot has now led him to a significant milestone: headlining the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics in the summer of 2024.
Building a Legacy in 3x3 Basketball
The 2024 Paris Games will mark the second time that 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event. Team USA, which failed to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games, seeks redemption. Fredette's role in leading the team to Paris cannot be understated, and his efforts were recognized when he was named the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year.
The U.S. team features a talented roster that includes Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. In the 2024 World Cup, Team USA impressively finished second, only behind the formidable Serbian team. As the games approach, anticipation is building. Fredette's leadership and scoring prowess will be crucial as Team USA battles seasoned teams 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 those finishing between third and sixth will compete in the quarterfinals. With the medal round scheduled for August 5, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Rigors of 3x3 Basketball
3x3 basketball differs significantly from the traditional format, offering a unique and fast-paced experience. The game is played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, and field goals are worth one point, or two points if shot from beyond the arc. There is no inbounds pass after a made basket; possession changes immediately, and players must dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before attempting a shot again.
With the game starting by a coin toss to determine which team initiates play, the thrilling dynamics continue until the first team reaches 21 points or whoever holds the lead after a 10-minute quarter. In the case of a tie, overtime decides the winner, with the first team to score two points clinching the victory.
Fredette eloquently captured the intense nature of the sport: "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."
The Road Ahead
Fredette’s journey in 3x3 basketball has been nothing short of inspiring, showcasing his resilience and adaptability. From dominating college basketball to finding his place in a burgeoning format, Fredette continues to prove his mettle. As Team USA eyes the Paris Olympics, the expectation is high. Should Fredette lead them to a historic triumph, it will not only be a personal redemption story but also a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport.
With the competition fierce and the format demanding, all eyes will be on Fredette and his teammates as they strive for Olympic glory in Paris. The sports world will watch with bated breath as another chapter of Jimmer Fredette’s remarkable career unfolds.