During the early 2010s, few names captured the imagination of college basketball fans quite like Jimmer Fredette. The BYU star turned heads with his prowess on the court, earning Naismith and Player of the Year honors in the 2010-11 season. In that illustrious year, Fredette guided BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive time, scoring a record 2,599 career points, the most in Mountain West history.
Fast forward to 2024, and Fredette is set to headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics. This marks a significant chapter in his career, one that has seen both triumphs and tribulations.
A Journey of Ups and Downs
Fredette was drafted No. 10 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft. Despite the high expectations, his NBA career was a rollercoaster ride. Reflecting on his NBA journey, Fredette said, "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."
Post-NBA, Fredette found success playing overseas before venturing into the fast-paced world of 3x3 basketball, a format that has grown in popularity and was first recognized as an official Olympic event at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Team USA, however, failed to qualify for those games, heightening their resolve to succeed in Paris.
The Intensity of 3x3 Basketball
The 3x3 basketball format is distinct and demanding. Played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, the game emphasizes speed and skill. Field goals are worth one point, or two if shot from beyond the arc, and there is no inbounds pass after a made basket. The game starts with a coin toss, determining which team begins on offense or defense. Possessions change after each made basket, and players must dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before attempting a shot.
In this intense environment, Fredette's adaptability has been crucial. "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," Fredette explained.
Road to Paris
Team USA's journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics has been marked by determination and resilience. The squad, which includes Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry alongside Fredette, finished second at the 2024 World Cup behind Serbia. Notably, Serbia holds fourth place on the world leaderboard and secured a bronze in Tokyo, while Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion in 3x3 basketball, finished third at the 2023 World Cup.
In Paris, Team USA will compete in a round-robin format against formidable teams such as Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The top two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals, while those finishing between third and sixth will face off in the quarterfinals. The medal round is scheduled for August 5.
Eyes on the Prize
Winning in 3x3 basketball requires not just skill but strategic gameplay. A team can claim victory by being the first to score 21 points or by having the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter. If the game is tied after the quarter, the first team to score two points in overtime wins.
Fredette's influence on Team USA's success cannot be overstated. Acknowledging his contributions, he was named the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year. As the Paris Olympics approach, Fredette remains instrumental in leading Team USA's quest for glory.
From the heights of college basketball fame to the challenging yet exhilarating world of 3x3 basketball, Jimmer Fredette's journey underscores a narrative of resilience and passion. As he prepares to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, the basketball world watches in anticipation, eager to see how this next chapter unfolds.