Jimmer Fredette: From College Stardom to 3x3 Basketball Hero
Jimmer Fredette, who once captivated the college basketball world as a standout at BYU, has carved a unique path in his basketball journey. The former Naismith College Player of the Year has transitioned from NCAA acclaim to becoming a pivotal figure in the rapidly evolving sport of 3x3 basketball.
Fredette’s collegiate career at BYU was nothing short of spectacular. Leading his team to back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances, his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities earned him the prestigious Naismith College Player of the Year award. His talent was recognized at the professional level when the Sacramento Kings selected him as the 10th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
Reflecting on his time in the NBA, Fredette acknowledges the challenges he faced. "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," he admits candidly. Yet, this chapter didn’t deter him. "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," Fredette adds.
Fredette's persistence and adaptability found a new arena in 3x3 basketball. This format, which will be an official Olympic event for the second time in Paris 2024, has its own set of distinctive rules and dynamics. Played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, 3x3 basketball demands quick decisions and relentless pace. Unlike traditional basketball, field goals are worth one point, with shots beyond the arc counting for two. The ball changes possession after each basket, intensifying the speed and excitement of the game. Victory comes either by reaching 21 points first or by having the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter. In the case of a tie, the first team to score two points in overtime prevails.
Fredette’s impact in 3x3 basketball has been profound. Named USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year in 2023, he played an instrumental role in qualifying Team USA for the 2024 Olympics. This comes after the disappointment of failing to make the cut for the 2020 Tokyo games. "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," Fredette describes the unique challenges and allure of this format.
As Team USA gears up for the 2024 Olympics, Fredette will be a key player alongside teammates Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. The Americans will face stiff competition in pool play against formidable teams such as Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The top two teams in the group will automatically advance to the semi-finals, while the third to sixth-placed teams will compete in the quarterfinals for a spot in the final four. The anticipation builds as the medal round is slated for August 5.
Team USA's quest for gold won’t be easy. They recently finished second behind Serbia at the 2024 World Cup. Historically, Serbia has been a strong contender, ranked fourth globally and securing the bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics. Latvia, the reigning Olympic Champion, also remains a formidable opponent, placing third at the 2023 World Cup.
Fredette's journey from college sensation to a significant 3x3 basketball figure underscores the unpredictable nature of athletic careers. Despite the highs and lows, his perseverance and adaptability have allowed him to remain relevant and influential in the basketball world. As the 2024 Olympics approach, Fredette and his Team USA teammates will be poised to make their mark on the global stage, aiming for the ultimate prize in a sport that continues to grow in popularity and excitement.