During the early 2010s, the name Jimmer Fredette reverberated through the halls of college basketball. As a standout player at Brigham Young University (BYU), Fredette captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. His performance during the 2010-11 season, where he earned the coveted Naismith and Player of the Year honors, was nothing short of extraordinary. Not only did he lead BYU to the Sweet 16 for a second consecutive year, but he also etched his name in the history books with a staggering 2,599 career points, the most in Mountain West history.
Fast forward to the summer of 2024, and Fredette is once again poised to make headlines—this time on the international stage. The sharpshooter will headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics, a testament to his enduring skills and adaptability. Notably, the 2024 Paris Games mark the second time 3x3 basketball will be recognized as an official Olympic event, following its debut in Tokyo in 2020.
Reflecting on his journey, Fredette acknowledged the ups and downs of his professional career. "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," he remarked. "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 being drafted No. 10 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft, Fredette struggled to find his footing in the NBA. Nevertheless, his persistence and passion for the game saw him achieving success overseas before venturing into the fast-paced, high-stakes world of 3x3 basketball.
A New Arena: 3x3 Basketball
The 3x3 format, a half-court game with a 12-second shot clock, is a different beast compared to traditional five-on-five basketball. Teams must be quick on their feet and strategic, as a field goal is worth one point, or two if shot from beyond the arc. With no inbounds pass after a made basket, the game is designed to be a high-octane affair. The game begins with a coin toss to determine which team starts on offense or defense, and possession changes after each made basket, mandating players to dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before shooting. 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. In the event of a tie, the first team to score two points in overtime wins.
For Fredette, the transition to 3x3 basketball has been both challenging and rewarding. "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.
Team USA's Ascent
Team USA's 3x3 basketball team for the Paris Olympics includes Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry alongside Fredette. The squad finished second at the 2024 World Cup, narrowly behind Serbia—a formidable opponent that holds fourth place on the world leaderboard and clinched a bronze medal in Tokyo. Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion in 3x3 basketball, secured third place at the 2023 World Cup, further intensifying the competitive landscape.
As the Games approach, Team USA faces a round-robin format competition against Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The top two teams from this group will advance to the semi-finals, while those finishing between third and sixth will battle it out in the quarterfinals. The medal round is set for August 5, promising an electrifying showdown.
Fredette's role in leading Team USA to the Olympics cannot be overstated. Recognized as the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, Fredette has been instrumental in the team's journey to Paris. As the world watches, his legacy—both past and present—continues to inspire and captivate, proving that his passion for basketball remains as fervent as ever.