During the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette captivated the collegiate basketball world as a star player at BYU. Renowned for his scoring prowess and long-range shooting, Fredette earned Naismith and Player of the Year honors in the 2010-11 season, guiding BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive time. His remarkable achievement of scoring 2,599 career points remains a record in Mountain West history. These accomplishments solidified his legacy as one of the most impactful college basketball players of his era.
Fredette's journey continued in the NBA when he was drafted No. 10 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft. However, his professional career in the league was characterized by ups and downs. Reflecting on his NBA tenure, Fredette stated, "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."
After his NBA stint, Fredette found success overseas, playing in various international leagues. But perhaps the most intriguing twist in his career has been his venture into the world of 3x3 basketball. This abbreviated format of the game offers unique challenges and rewards, which Fredette has embraced wholeheartedly. "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 explained.
Leading Team USA at the Paris Olympics
In the summer of 2024, Fredette will headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics, marking a significant milestone in his career. This event is momentous as it will be the second time 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event. Team USA, aiming to rectify their previous disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games, has placed its hopes in Fredette and his teammates Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry.
The team has shown promise, finishing second at the 2024 World Cup behind Serbia. This performance sets a competitive tone as they prepare to face formidable opponents such as Serbia—who holds fourth place on the world leaderboard and earned a bronze in Tokyo—as well as reigning Olympic champions Latvia, who secured third place at the 2023 World Cup. Other competitors include Poland, Lithuania, France, China, and the Netherlands in a round-robin format. The top two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals, while the teams finishing between third and sixth will compete in the quarterfinals. The medal round is slated for August 5th, a date that could etch Fredette's name in Olympic history.
The 3x3 Basketball Format
The 3x3 basketball format is distinct from its traditional counterpart, played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock. Field goals are worth one point, or two points when shot from beyond the arc. The absence of an inbounds pass after a made basket speeds up the pace of the game. A coin toss determines which team starts on offense or defense, and possession changes after each made basket, with players required to dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before attempting a shot.
Victory in 3x3 basketball is secured by being the first to score 21 points or having the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter, adding an element of urgency and intensity. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, the first team to score two points in overtime wins, further emphasizing the importance of precision and quick decision-making.
Fredette's Impact and Recognition
Fredette’s impact on the 3x3 format has not gone unnoticed. He was recognized as the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, underscoring his pivotal role in leading Team USA to the Paris Olympics. His journey from a collegiate superstar to an NBA player, and now to a key figure in 3x3 basketball, showcases his adaptability and resilience in the face of changing circumstances.
As the Paris Olympics approach, all eyes will be on Fredette and Team USA as they seek to triumph in this dynamic and fast-paced version of basketball. His leadership and experience will undoubtedly be vital to their quest for Olympic glory.