Jimmer Fredette's Journey to the Paris Olympics: Embracing 3x3 Basketball

During the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette was a name synonymous with excitement in college basketball. The Brigham Young University (BYU) standout dazzled fans and critics alike, earning Naismith and Player of the Year honors in the 2010-11 season. His exploits on the court were nothing short of legendary, guiding BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive time and scoring a record 2,599 career points, the most in Mountain West history. Despite being drafted No. 10 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft, Fredette’s NBA tenure never quite matched his college dominance.

Fredette’s post-NBA career saw a rejuvenation overseas, where he found a new rhythm and continued to exhibit his scoring prowess. However, the narrative doesn’t end there. Fredette adapted and transitioned into the emerging format of 3x3 basketball, a move that culminates in his headlining role for the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics in the summer of 2024.

Embracing 3x3 Basketball

The 2024 Paris Games mark the second time 3x3 basketball is officially included in the Olympics, and Team USA has placed high hopes on Fredette’s experienced shoulders. “Obviously the NBA career was very up-and-down, but that doesn't just happen to just me,” Fredette said, reflecting on his journey. “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.”

Fredette’s teammates include Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry, a roster expected to compete fiercely given their recent second-place finish at the 2024 World Cup behind Serbia, a team that sits fourth on the world leaderboard and secured bronze in Tokyo. Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion in 3x3 basketball, secured third place at the 2023 World Cup, adding to the competitive landscape Team USA will face.

A Grueling Competition Format

In Paris, Team USA will battle it out in a round-robin format against formidable opponents like Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The top two teams from the group will move directly to the semi-finals, while the teams that finish between third and sixth will clash in the quarterfinals. The pursuit of the podium concludes on August 5, with the medal round bringing Olympic dreams to fruition or heartbreak.

3x3 basketball’s format brings a unique intensity to the sport, with games played on a half-court featuring a 12-second shot clock. Scoring is also adjusted, with field goals worth one point or two points if shot from beyond the arc. Possession shifts after each made basket, and players must pass or dribble the ball outside the arc before attempting a shot. The game begins with a coin toss to determine initial possession, and a team wins either by being the first to score 21 points or by having the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter. In the case of a tie, the first team to score two points in overtime claims victory.

The Emotions 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,” Fredette remarked on the distinctive nature of 3x3 basketball. “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’s contributions have been pivotal in Team USA's road to Paris, earning him recognition as the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year. His experience and ability to adapt to various playing styles underline his commitment and resilience in the sport.

The journey from collegiate stardom, through the ups and downs of an NBA career, to finding a new niche in 3x3 basketball, illustrates the tenacity and versatility of Jimmer Fredette. As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, the basketball world will be watching as Fredette and Team USA strive for Olympic glory in this electrifying format of the game. For Fredette, the Paris Games represent not just another chapter, but perhaps a crowning achievement in a storied career filled with both challenges and triumphs.