From College Stardom to Olympic Glory
During the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette's electrifying performances as a college basketball player at BYU captivated fans and made headlines across the nation. Recognized for his remarkable scoring abilities, Fredette earned Naismith and Player of the Year honors in the 2010-11 season, leading BYU to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year and cementing his legacy by amassing 2,599 career points—the most in Mountain West history.
Fredette's transition to the professional ranks saw him drafted No. 10 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft. While his NBA career didn’t soar to the same heights as his collegiate tenure, Fredette remained undeterred. "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," Fredette reflected. "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."
In search of new opportunities, Fredette found success playing overseas, where he honed his skills further and embraced different facets of the game. His journey eventually led him to the thrilling and fast-paced world of 3x3 basketball.
Embracing the 3x3 Format
The unique demands of 3x3 basketball—a half-court game with a 12-second shot clock and rapid changes in possession—have provided a fresh platform for Fredette's talents. Transitioning seamlessly into this format, Fredette's experience and skill have proven invaluable to Team USA. "The way this sport works, you either really like it or you don't like it at all," Fredette explained. "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."
Recognizing his contributions, Fredette was named the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding Team USA to the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he will headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team.
Paris Olympics and Beyond
The 2024 Paris Games mark the second occasion that 3x3 basketball will feature as an official Olympic event. Team USA, which failed to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games in this format, is determined to make a strong showing this time around. Alongside Fredette, the roster includes Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry—each bringing their unique strengths to the team.
Team USA showcased their prowess at the 2024 World Cup, finishing second behind Serbia. The competitive landscape in Paris will be fierce, with teams from Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands participating in a round-robin format. Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion, secured third place at the 2023 World Cup, while Serbia, holding fourth place on the world leaderboard, bagged a bronze in Tokyo.
In 3x3 basketball, a field goal is worth one point or two points if shot from beyond the arc, with possession changing after each made basket. The game is won by the first team to score 21 points or by having the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter. If tied, the first team to score two points in overtime claims victory.
The stakes are high, and the pathway to victory demands excellence. The top two teams from the group stage will advance to the semi-finals, while those finishing between third and sixth will vie in the quarterfinals. The climax of the competition, the medal round, is set for August 5.
An Unwavering Passion
Fredette's journey from collegiate sensation to Olympic hopeful underscores his unwavering passion for the game and his relentless pursuit of excellence. As he leads Team USA onto the global stage in Paris, his story is one of resilience, adaptation, and enduring commitment to the sport he loves. Fredette epitomizes the spirit of an athlete who, despite setbacks and challenges, continues to forge his path and inspire others with his determination.