Jimmer Fredette's basketball journey has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. Rising to prominence in the early 2010s as a standout college player at BYU, Fredette dazzled the college basketball world. His remarkable performance in the 2010-11 season earned him both Naismith and Player of the Year honors, and he led BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year. His 2,599 career points remain a Mountain West record, a testament to his scoring prowess.
Drafted No. 10 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft, Fredette’s NBA career was marked by highs and lows. Reflecting on his time in the league, 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."
As his NBA prospects dimmed, Fredette turned to international play, where he found significant success. Yet, it was his venture into the 3x3 basketball format that reignited his career. This smaller, faster-paced version of the game has captured the interest of basketball enthusiasts around the world, and Fredette quickly became a key figure in this emerging sport.
Heading to Paris
In the summer of 2024, Fredette will lead the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics. His role as the headline player is a culmination of his significant contributions to the team's success. His influence was instrumental in Team USA's journey to the Paris Games, earning him the recognition as the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year.
The 2024 Paris Games mark only the second time 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event. Team USA, which failed to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games, is now a formidable contender. Alongside Fredette, the roster includes Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. The team showcased their potential by finishing second at the 2024 World Cup, just behind Serbia, a team that is fourth on the world leaderboard and secured a bronze in Tokyo.
A New Kind of Challenge
The 3x3 basketball format offers a unique and intense experience compared to the traditional five-on-five game. Played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, the game emphasizes quick decision-making and rapid-fire play. With no inbounds pass after a made basket and a requirement for possession changes to occur outside the arc, the game maintains a relentless pace.
A field goal in 3x3 is worth either one point or two points if shot from beyond the arc, and the first team to score 21 points, or the team with the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter, wins the game. If tied at the end of the quarter, the first team to score two points in overtime claims victory. Such rules make for a thrilling and unpredictable sport, one that Fredette himself acknowledges for its emotional intensity.
"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 3x3 basketball and it's different than five-on-five."
Competitive Field
Team USA will face stiff competition in Paris, with powerhouse teams like Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands all vying for Olympic glory. Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion in 3x3, secured third place at the 2023 World Cup and remains a dangerous opponent. The round-robin format of the preliminary rounds will demand consistent performance, as only the top two teams from the group advance directly to the semi-finals, while those finishing between third and sixth battle it out in the quarterfinals.
All eyes will be on Fredette as he leads Team USA on this challenging path. As a player who has navigated the trials of the NBA and thrived internationally, Fredette's presence brings hope and excitement to American fans. The medal round, set for August 5, promises to be an electrifying finale to an already captivating journey.
Jimmer Fredette's transition from college star to NBA player and now 3x3 basketball icon underscores his adaptability and determination. His journey reflects a broader narrative of perseverance and reinvention in the ever-evolving world of sports. As Fredette and Team USA aim for Olympic success in 2024, they embody the spirit of opportunity and resilience that drives athletes to excel, regardless of where their paths may lead.