In the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette's name became synonymous with college basketball excellence. A standout player at BYU, Fredette captivated fans and earned numerous accolades, including Naismith and Player of the Year honors during the 2010-11 season. Guiding BYU to consecutive Sweet 16 appearances, Fredette amassed 2,599 career points, the highest in Mountain West history. His collegiate success led him to be drafted No. 10 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft.
The NBA Journey and Overseas Success
Although Fredette's NBA career was marked by inconsistency, it was far from a detour in his professional journey. Reflecting on his time in the league, Fredette noted, "Obviously the NBA career was very up-and-down, but that doesn't just happen to 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 this, Fredette's determination and hard work led him to opportunities abroad, where he found considerable success playing overseas.
Embracing 3x3 Basketball
Fredette has since ventured into the 3x3 basketball format, a variation of the sport played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock. In this fast-paced game, a field goal is worth one point, or two points if shot from beyond the arc. There are unique rules, such as no inbounds pass after a made basket, and possession changes after each score. The game commences with a coin toss, and teams must dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before attempting a shot. The match concludes either when a team scores 21 points first or has the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter. If tied, the first team to score two points in overtime wins.
Fredette, recognized as the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, has played a crucial role in leading Team USA to the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. His passion for the sport is evident. "The way this sport works, you either really like it or you don't like it at all," he explained. "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."
Paris 2024 and the Quest for Gold
Fredette will headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics, leading a roster that includes Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. Team USA's journey to Paris hasn't been smooth; they finished second behind Serbia at the 2024 World Cup and failed to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games in this format.
The 2024 Paris Games mark the second time 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event. In the competitive field, Team USA will face off against formidable opponents such as Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands in a round-robin format. The top two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals, while those finishing between third and sixth will clash in the quarterfinals. The medal round is set for August 5, where the intensity of the competition will reach its peak.
Serbia, currently ranked fourth on the world leaderboard and a bronze medalist from Tokyo, poses a significant challenge. Meanwhile, Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion in 3x3 basketball, secured third place at the 2023 World Cup and will no doubt be aiming for a repeat gold.
The Journey Continues
Fredette's journey to Paris underscores his resilience and adaptability. His path from college star to NBA player, overseas professional, and now a prominent figure in 3x3 basketball reveals a story of perseverance and passion for the game. As Fredette and Team USA prepare for the Olympics, the basketball world waits in anticipation to see if this talented squad can bring home the gold.
"As one door closes, another door opens," Fredette reflected. "I always tried to take full advantage of that by working hard, being prepared, and believing in myself." With his leadership and the team's collective drive, the 2024 Paris Olympics promise to be a thrilling showcase of skill and determination.