Jimmer Fredette: From College Star to Olympic Hopeful
During the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette carved his name into college basketball history as a standout for BYU. The prolific scorer earned both Naismith and Player of the Year honors for the 2010-11 season, guiding BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year and amassing a record 2,599 career points, the most in Mountain West history. His college stardom vaulted him into the NBA, where he was drafted No. 10 overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2011.
But Fredette’s NBA journey wasn’t as smooth as his college career. "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," Fredette reflected. "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 eventually found success overseas before venturing into 3x3 basketball, a variation of the sport that has gained significant global traction. This format, which is played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock and no inbounds pass after a made basket, offers a brisk and dynamic alternative to traditional five-on-five basketball. A team wins by either being the first to score 21 points or by having the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter.
The fast-paced 3x3 game starts with a coin toss to determine which team starts on offense or defense. Possessions change after each made basket, requiring players to dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before attempting a shot. If the game is tied at the end of the quarter, overtime ensues, where the first team to score two points emerges victorious.
In the summer of 2024, this 3x3 format will feature prominently in the Paris Olympics, marking the second time it has been recognized as an official Olympic event. Fredette will headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team, leading a roster that includes Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. Team USA, who narrowly missed qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Games, aims to make a powerful statement in Paris.
Fredette's role has been instrumental in guiding Team USA to the Olympics, encapsulated by his recognition as the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year. "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.
Team USA’s journey to Paris has been marked by formidable competition. They finished second at the 2024 World Cup, behind powerhouse Serbia, who also secured a bronze in Tokyo and currently sits fourth on the world leaderboard. The reigning Olympic champion, Latvia, finished third at the 2023 World Cup and remains a significant contender.
In Paris, Team USA will face off against a slate of strong teams, including Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands, in a challenging round-robin format. The top two teams from the group will advance to the semifinals, while those finishing between third and sixth will compete in the quarterfinals. The competition is expected to be fierce, culminating in the much-anticipated medal round set for August 5.
Fredette’s journey from a star-studded college career to Olympic hopefuls in a burgeoning sport reflects his resilience and adaptability. As he takes center stage in Paris, his leadership and scoring prowess will be pivotal in Team USA’s quest for 3x3 basketball glory.