Jimmer Fredette: From College Star to Olympic 3x3 Hopeful
During the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette captivated the college basketball scene as a star player at BYU. His remarkable performance in the 2010-11 season earned him Naismith and Player of the Year honors, solidifying his status as one of the premier players in college basketball. He guided the BYU Cougars to their second consecutive Sweet 16 appearance and left an indelible mark with a record 2,599 career points, the most in Mountain West history.
Transition to Professional Basketball
Fredette's exploits at BYU propelled him into the professional arena when he was drafted 10th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft. However, his NBA career was a roller-coaster of highs and lows. Reflecting on his time in the NBA, 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."
Finding Success Overseas
After his stint in the NBA, Fredette found substantial success playing overseas. His journey then took an unexpected yet rewarding turn as he ventured into the 3x3 basketball format. Fredette quickly adapted to the unique dynamics of the game, characterized by its fast pace and intense competition.
Olympic Aspiration: 2024 Paris Games
Fredette’s dedication and skill in 3x3 basketball did not go unnoticed. He earned the recognition of 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, a testament to his significant contributions to the sport. Building on this achievement, Fredette will headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics in the summer of 2024. This marks the second time 3x3 basketball will be recognized as an official Olympic event, having made its debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games, where Team USA failed to qualify.
The U.S. team, consisting of Jimmer Fredette, Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry, has shown promising results, finishing second at the 2024 World Cup behind Serbia. Team USA is set to compete against formidable opponents, including 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 the teams finishing between third and sixth will face off in the quarterfinals. The medal round is set for August 5, 2024.
The Nuances of 3x3 Basketball
3x3 basketball is distinctly different from traditional 5-on-5 basketball. It's played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, which increases the game's tempo. A field goal is worth one point or two points if shot from beyond the arc. Unlike the traditional game, 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 dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before attempting a shot. A team wins 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 wins.
Fredette's Passion for 3x3 Basketball
Fredette's passion for 3x3 basketball is evident in his dedication to 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 3×3 basketball and it's different than five-on-five," he explained.
As Fredette prepares to lead Team USA in the Paris Olympics, his journey from college stardom to professional 3x3 basketball serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and adaptability. His story reminds us that in sports, as in life, new opportunities often arise from unexpected transitions.