During the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette was a name every college basketball enthusiast knew well. The electric guard lit up courts at Brigham Young University (BYU), earning Naismith and Player of the Year honors during the 2010-11 season. Fredette's stellar performance didn't just bring individual accolades; he also guided BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive time that season. His collegiate career was punctuated by a record 2,599 career points, the most in Mountain West history, making him a legend in the collegiate realm.
Fast forward to the summer of 2024, and Fredette is set to headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics. It's a new chapter for the seasoned athlete who was drafted No. 10 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft, but found more consistent success playing overseas after his NBA career.
A Journey Through Ups and Downs
Reflections on Fredette's career reveal a journey filled with both triumphs and trials. "Obviously, the NBA career was very up-and-down, but that doesn't just happen to me," Fredette said. "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."
This resilient attitude brought Fredette to the innovative 3x3 basketball format, a version of the game that’s gaining global traction. Team USA previously failed to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games in 3x3 basketball, but Fredette has been instrumental in ensuring their spot in the upcoming Paris event. Recognized as the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, Fredette's influence on the team is undeniable.
The 3x3 Dynamics and Challenges
3x3 basketball, recognized officially at the Olympics for only the second time, brings a faster and more intense version of traditional basketball. The game is played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock. Field goals are worth one point, or two points if shot from beyond the arc, and possession changes fluidly with no inbounds pass after a made basket. A team wins either by being the first to score 21 points or by having the highest score after a 10-minute quarter. If tied, the first team to score two points in overtime takes the win.
Fredette acknowledges the unique appeal and the distinct challenges the format brings. "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."
The Team and Competition
Joining Fredette on Team USA’s 3x3 roster are Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. The team recently finished second at the 2024 World Cup behind Serbia, a formidable opponent that holds the fourth place on the world leaderboard and bagged a bronze in Tokyo. Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion in 3x3 basketball, secured third place at the 2023 World Cup, adding another layer of competition.
In Paris, Team USA will face Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands in a round-robin format. The top two teams from the group advance to the semi-finals, while the teams finishing between third and sixth face off in the quarterfinals. The medal round is set for August 5, promising intense matchups and high-stakes drama.
As Fredette and his teammates prepare for these challenges, the former star of the collegiate scene now finds himself playing a pivotal role in a burgeoning sport. His story is one of adaptation and perseverance, a testament to his enduring love for basketball in all its forms.