During the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette was a name on everyone's lips in college basketball. As a star player for Brigham Young University (BYU), Fredette amassed an impressive array of accolades, including Naismith and Player of the Year honors for the 2010-11 season. He orchestrated BYU's journey to the Sweet 16 for two consecutive years and wrapped up his college career with a record 2,599 points, the most in Mountain West history. This extraordinary run led to his selection as the 10th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings.
Fredette's NBA career, however, did not quite flourish as expected. "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. Nevertheless, he saw this as an opportunity to pivot his career. "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 eventually found his stride playing overseas, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility on international courts. Yet, it was his venture into the 3x3 basketball format that truly marked a turning point. This fast-paced, high-intensity version of basketball suited Fredette's playing style, and he thrived. "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," he elucidated. "There's just so much emotion in 3×3 basketball and it's different than five-on-five."
Fast forward to the summer of 2024, and Jimmer Fredette's journey has come full circle. He is set to headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics. The 2024 Games will mark only the second time 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event. Team USA's roster also features Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry, signaling the team's serious intent to secure Olympic glory.
Aiming for Olympic Glory
Team USA faces an uphill battle, having finished second at the 2024 World Cup, falling short to powerhouse Serbia. Serbia, ranked fourth globally and coming off a bronze medal in Tokyo, poses a formidable challenge. Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion in 3x3 basketball, also remains a strong contender, having secured third place at the 2023 World Cup.
The competition in Paris promises to be intense, with teams like Poland, Lithuania, France, China, and the Netherlands also vying for the podium. The format sees teams competing in a round-robin stage, with the top two teams advancing directly to the semifinals. Teams finishing between third and sixth will battle it out in the quarterfinals, with the medal rounds scheduled for August 5.
Unique Rules and Format
3x3 basketball is distinct from its traditional 5x5 counterpart. Played on a half-court, the game has a 12-second shot clock, encouraging rapid play and quick decision-making. Field goals are worth one point, or two if shot from beyond the arc, and there is no inbounds pass following a made basket. The game begins with a coin toss to decide initial possession, and after each made basket, possession changes with players required to take the ball outside the arc before making an attempt.
A match is either won by the first team to reach 21 points or by having the highest score at the end of a 10-minute quarter. If the game is tied at the end of regulation time, the first team to score two points in overtime secures the win. It's a game designed for thrills and high stakes, and it’s this very nature that Fredette excels in.
As the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, Fredette has been integral to Team USA's qualification for the Paris Olympics. His skills, coupled with a deep understanding of the game, have put Team USA in an excellent position. The upcoming Olympic Games not only represent a fresh challenge for Fredette but also a shot at redemption and legacy-building on the world's biggest stage.
With his eyes set on Olympic gold, Jimmer Fredette's journey from collegiate sensation to Olympic contender embodies resilience, versatility, and an undying passion for the game. As the world tunes in to watch 3x3 basketball in Paris, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Fredette, the veteran who has continually reinvented himself and demonstrated that true stars find a way to shine, regardless of the format.