Fredette's Journey from College Stardom to Olympic Aspirations
Jimmer Fredette’s basketball journey has seen highs and lows, but his determination and versatility continue to shine through. A standout at Brigham Young University (BYU), Fredette captured the Naismith College Player of the Year award and led his team to back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances, accomplishments which solidified his place in college basketball history. These achievements propelled him into the professional ranks as the 10th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft.
However, Fredette’s NBA career did not unfold as many had anticipated. Reflecting on his professional tenure, Fredette shared, "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."
Despite the turbulence, Fredette’s passion for basketball never waned. His perseverance led him to a new avenue: 3x3 basketball. A variant of the traditional game, 3x3 basketball is played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock. Field goals are worth one point, while shots beyond the arc count for two points. The game is fast-paced, with possession changing after each basket regardless of a make or miss. The first team to reach 21 points or the team with the most points after a single 10-minute quarter wins the game. In the event of a tie, the first team to score two points in overtime secures the victory.
Fredette’s adaptation to this dynamic format has been impressive. His contributions were pivotal in qualifying Team USA for the 2024 Olympics, a significant feat considering the Americans did not make the cut for the 2020 Tokyo games. For his efforts, he was named USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year in 2023, showcasing his importance to the team and the sport.
"The way this sport works, you either really like it or you don't like it at all," Fredette noted. "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."
The American squad for the upcoming Olympics features Fredette alongside Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. They will compete in pool play against strong contenders such as Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The tournament’s format sees the top two teams from the group automatically advancing to the semi-finals, while the teams placing third to sixth compete in the quarterfinals for a spot in the final four. The medal round is slated for August 5.
Team USA has tasted success recently, finishing second behind Serbia at the 2024 World Cup. Serbia, a global powerhouse in 3x3 basketball, is ranked fourth worldwide after securing the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. The reigning Olympic Champions, Latvia, placed third at the 2023 World Cup, further highlighting the high level of competition that awaits Team USA.
Fredette’s journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. "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 remarked. His story continues to inspire, proving that even when faced with setbacks, one's passion and dedication can lead to new and rewarding opportunities in the ever-evolving world of sports.