Jimmer Fredette: From College Phenomenon to 3x3 Basketball Pioneer
During the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette captured the hearts of basketball fans across the country as a standout player at BYU. His record-breaking performances and electrifying style earned him accolades like the Naismith and Player of the Year honors during the 2010-11 season, when he guided BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive time.
Fredette's prolific scoring ability was undeniable, as he concluded his college career with 2,599 points, the most in Mountain West Conference history. His outstanding college career propelled him to the 10th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft. However, Fredette's NBA journey was a roller coaster. Reflecting on his professional stint, he remarked, "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."
After several seasons in the NBA, Fredette found greater success overseas, showcasing his talents in various international leagues. Yet, it was his venture into 3x3 basketball that presented him with a new and exciting challenge. His passion and dedication to the sport were recognized when he was named the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year. Fredette's transition to the 3x3 format has been instrumental in Team USA's journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they aim for redemption after failing to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games.
A New Challenge: 3x3 Basketball
The 2024 Paris Games mark the second time 3x3 basketball will be featured as an official Olympic event. Team USA's roster includes Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry, alongside Fredette. This iteration of the team has already proven their mettle, finishing second at the 2024 World Cup behind Serbia.
Fredette's adaptability and resilience have been key in navigating the unique challenges of 3x3 basketball. "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," he said. "There's just so much emotion in 3x3 basketball and it's different than five-on-five."
3x3 basketball is played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, and each field goal is worth one point, with shots beyond the arc earning two points. The game begins with a coin toss and is characterized by its fast pace and continuous play, as there are no inbounds passes after made baskets. Victory is claimed either by reaching 21 points first or by having the highest score at the end of a 10-minute quarter. In the event of a tie, the first team to score two points in overtime wins.
Olympic Aspirations
In Paris, Team USA will face off against formidable opponents, including Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands, in a rigorous round-robin format. The top two teams from this group will advance directly to the semi-finals, while teams finishing between third and sixth will battle in the quarterfinals. The medal-round games are slated for August 5, offering an exhilarating conclusion to the competition.
Serbia, a dominant force in 3x3 basketball, holds the fourth place on the world leaderboard and earned a bronze medal in Tokyo. Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion, secured third at the 2023 World Cup, further highlighting the level of competition Team USA will encounter.
As Fredette leads Team USA into the 2024 Paris Olympics, his journey from college superstar to 3x3 pioneer reflects his enduring love for the game and his relentless pursuit of excellence. His experience, both domestically and internationally, positions him as a key player for Team USA as they strive to achieve Olympic glory in this dynamic and demanding sport.