Jimmer Fredette’s Journey from College Stardom to 3x3 Olympic Qualification
Jimmer Fredette's basketball journey has been a rich tapestry woven with highs and lows, marked by standout performances and stints where he struggled to find his footing. Yet, through it all, Fredette’s dedication to the sport has remained unwavering, demonstrating his resilience and determination.
At BYU, Fredette captured national attention by winning the Naismith College Player of the Year award. His exceptional play guided the team to back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances, cementing his status as one of college basketball's elite players. This success led him to the 2011 NBA Draft, where he was selected 10th overall by the Sacramento Kings.
Reflecting on his NBA career, Fredette acknowledged 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 said. The highs of his NBA tenure were often accompanied by periods of uncertainty, as he searched for the right environment to showcase his talents fully.
Despite the turbulent NBA journey, Fredette’s career took a new turn with his involvement in 3x3 basketball, an exciting variant of the game that has gained significant traction. Named USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year in 2023, Fredette played a pivotal role in securing Team USA’s spot for the 2024 Olympics — a redemption of sorts after the Americans failed to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 games.
The 3x3 basketball format, distinct with its half-court setup and brisk 12-second shot clock, brings a unique and faster-paced dynamic to the sport. Each field goal is worth one point, while shots beyond the arc yield two points. The game is won by the first team to reach 21 points or by the team leading after a 10-minute quarter. If tied, the first team to score two points in overtime secures victory.
"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," Fredette explained.
Joining Fredette on Team USA’s 3x3 basketball roster are Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. This team will contend with formidable opponents such as Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands during pool play. The top two teams advance directly to the semi-finals, while third to sixth-placed teams battle it out in the quarterfinals for a spot in the final four. All eyes are on the medal round set for August 5, where these teams will vie for Olympic glory.
Team USA’s recent performance at the 2024 World Cup showcased their mettle, finishing second behind Serbia. Serbia, coming off a bronze medal run in the Tokyo Olympics, stands fourth globally. Meanwhile, Latvia, the reigning Olympic Champion, secured third place at the 2023 World Cup, proving the competition will be fierce and challenging.
Fredette’s journey continues to inspire, as he balances the emotional rollercoaster that is 3x3 basketball with his enduring love for the game. "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," he said. As the world anticipates the 2024 Olympics, Fredette's story is a testament to perseverance, adaptation, and the ceaseless pursuit of passion in the world of sports.