During the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette captivated the college basketball world with his exceptional performance at BYU. The star guard dazzled fans and analysts alike, earning Naismith and Player of the Year honors in the 2010-11 season. Fredette's scoring prowess was unparalleled, as he racked up a record 2,599 career points, the highest in Mountain West history, and led his team to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive season.
Fredette’s career trajectory led him to the 2011 NBA Draft, where he was selected 10th overall by the Sacramento Kings. However, his NBA career was marked by inconsistency. Reflecting on his professional journey, 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."
Finding renewed success overseas, Fredette eventually transitioned to the fast-paced world of 3x3 basketball, a format that debuted as an official Olympic event at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Despite Team USA failing to qualify for Tokyo, Fredette's involvement and impact in the format grew steadily. He was recognized as the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.
Leading Team USA to Paris
The upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics marks a significant milestone for Fredette, who will headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team. The roster, which includes Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry, is set to contend against dominant teams like Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion, and Serbia, which secured bronze in Tokyo and finished second at the 2024 World Cup.
The competition format is grueling. Team USA will face Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands in a round-robin phase. The top two teams will advance directly to the semi-finals, while the teams finishing third through sixth will battle it out in the quarterfinals.
Understanding 3x3 Basketball
3x3 basketball is a high-intensity game played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock. Field goals are worth either one point or two points if shot from beyond the arc. Unlike traditional 5-on-5 basketball, there is no inbounds pass after a made basket. Instead, the game commences with a coin toss to decide which team starts on offense or defense. Possession changes swiftly after each made basket, requiring players to dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before attempting another shot.
The game aims to reach 21 points or to have the highest score at the end of a single 10-minute quarter. If the score is tied after the quarter, the first team to score two points in overtime clinches the win, adding an extra layer of excitement and urgency.
Fredette's Undying Passion
Fredette's journey through the various facets of basketball has been marked by perseverance and adaptability. He has embraced the unique challenges of 3x3 basketball, acknowledging the highs and lows that come with the territory. "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 shared.
As the Paris Games approach, Fredette’s leadership and experience are poised to be invaluable assets for Team USA. The team’s recent performance, finishing second at the 2024 World Cup, signals its readiness to compete at the highest level. For Fredette, the Paris Olympics represent not just a personal milestone but a culmination of years of dedication and resilience in a sport that continues to evolve and capture the hearts of fans worldwide.