During the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette emerged as a collegiate basketball sensation at Brigham Young University (BYU), captivating fans with his scoring prowess and charismatic play. Recognized as one of the most dominant players in college basketball, Fredette collected numerous accolades, including the prestigious Naismith Award and Player of the Year honors for his stellar performance in the 2010-11 season. Leading BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive time, Fredette concluded his college career with a record-breaking 2,599 points, making him the all-time leading scorer in Mountain West history.
Fredette's professional journey began when he was selected 10th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings. However, his NBA career proved to be a rollercoaster. As he put it, "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."
Despite the challenges in the NBA, Fredette found success overseas, where he continued to showcase his scoring ability. Furthermore, he discovered a new passion in the fast-paced, high-intensity world of 3x3 basketball. "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 reflected on his career transitions.
The Road to Paris 2024
Now, Fredette is set to lead the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics in the summer of 2024. His efforts have already earned him the title of 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, highlighting his significant contribution to the team's success. Team USA aims to improve on their previous performance, having failed to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games in this format.
The Competition Ahead
The 2024 Paris Games mark the second time 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event. Team USA's roster, which includes players like Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry, recently showcased their potential by finishing second at the 2024 World Cup behind Serbia. The 3x3 format, characterized by its rapid pace and exciting gameplay, is played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock. Field goals are worth one point or two points if shot from beyond the arc, and there is no inbounds pass after a made basket. The action begins with a coin toss to determine which team starts on offense or defense. Possession changes after each made basket, and players must dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before taking a shot.
In Paris, Team USA will face formidable opponents in a round-robin format, competing against teams such as Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The top two teams from the group will advance directly to the semi-finals, while the teams finishing between third and sixth will battle it out in the quarterfinals. The medal round is scheduled for August 5.
New Challenges, New Opportunities
For Fredette, the transition to 3x3 basketball has not been without its adjustments. He explains, "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."
Indeed, the intense nature of 3x3 basketball demands a unique combination of skills, endurance, and strategy. Teams vie for victory by either being the first to score 21 points or having the highest score at the end of a single 10-minute quarter. If the game is tied after the quarter, the first team to score two points in overtime clinches the win.
As the countdown to the Paris Olympics continues, Fredette's leadership and experience will be pivotal for Team USA. His journey from a college star to an Olympic hopeful exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Fans of 3x3 basketball can look forward to a thrilling competition, with Fredette and Team USA poised to make their mark on the global stage.