Jimmer Fredette: From College Stardom to Olympic 3x3 Basketball
Jimmer Fredette has had a career marked by significant highs and lows, but his resilience and adaptability have kept him in the limelight. From being the Naismith College Player of the Year at BYU to being a standout in the emerging sport of 3x3 basketball, Fredette's journey continues to inspire.
Fredette first rose to prominence during his college career, leading BYU to back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances. His exceptional scoring ability and leadership skills earned him the prestigious Naismith College Player of the Year award. This success catapulted him into the 2011 NBA Draft, where he was selected 10th overall by the Sacramento Kings.
Reflecting on his NBA journey, Fredette acknowledges the tumultuous nature 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 said. Despite the challenges, Fredette never let setbacks deter his spirit.
His career took a new turn when he embraced the fast-paced, high-intensity world of 3x3 basketball. Fredette's skills and experience quickly translated to success in this format, and he played a pivotal role in qualifying Team USA for the 2024 Olympics.
In 2023, Fredette's performances earned him the title of USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year. His contributions were instrumental in helping Team USA secure their spot for the upcoming Olympic Games, despite the team failing to make the cut for the 2020 Tokyo games.
"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," Fredette explained. "There's just so much emotion in 3×3 basketball and it's different than five-on-five."
Indeed, 3x3 basketball features a half-court setup and a rapid 12-second shot clock. Field goals are worth one point, while shots beyond the arc earn two points. Possession changes after each basket, and the first team to reach 21 points or the team with the most points after a single 10-minute quarter wins the game. If there's a tie, the first team to score two points in overtime clinches the victory.
The competition at the 2024 Olympics promises to be fierce. Team USA will face formidable opponents like Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands in pool play. The top two teams in the group will automatically advance to the semi-finals, while the third to sixth-placed teams will compete in the quarterfinals for a spot in the final four. The medal round is scheduled for August 5.
Team USA will be looking to improve upon their second-place finish behind Serbia at the 2024 World Cup. Serbia, ranked fourth globally, secured a bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics, while Latvia, the reigning Olympic Champion, placed third at the 2023 World Cup.
As Fredette continues to make his mark in 3x3 basketball, his outlook remains positive. "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," he said. His dedication and perseverance serve as a testament to his enduring passion for the game.
With less than a year until the Paris Olympics, Team USA’s 3x3 basketball squad, including players like Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry, are gearing up for what promises to be a momentous tournament. The preparation and hard work they invest now will be crucial as they aim to bring home the gold.