Jimmer Fredette: From College Standout to 3x3 Basketball Star
Jimmer Fredette has experienced a roller coaster of a basketball career. After capturing the Naismith College Player of the Year award at BYU and leading his team to back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances, Fredette seemed destined for NBA stardom. Drafted as the 10th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft, his professional journey, however, took a different route.
"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. While his NBA tenure didn't pan out as expected, Fredette has thrived in an alternative basketball arena—3x3 basketball.
Fredette's dedication and hard work recently culminated in him being named USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year in 2023. His efforts were instrumental in qualifying Team USA for the 2024 Olympics, a significant milestone given that the Americans failed to make the cut for the 2020 Tokyo games. The 2024 summer games in Paris will mark only the second time that 3x3 basketball is an official Olympic event.
The Rise of 3x3 Basketball
The 3x3 format, featuring a half-court setup and a 12-second shot clock, has grown in popularity worldwide. The game is faster-paced compared to its five-on-five counterpart, with field goals worth one point and shots beyond the arc earning two points. In this format, possession changes after each basket, irrespective of a make or miss, adding to the game's exhilarating tempo. 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 secures the victory.
"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 3x3 basketball and it's different than five-on-five."
This year, Fredette will be sharing the court with teammates Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry as part of Team USA's 3x3 Olympic roster. Their journey will begin with intense pool play against formidable opponents such as Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The competition format ensures that the top two teams in the group automatically qualify for the semifinals, while the third to sixth-placed teams must battle through the quarterfinals for a spot in the final four.
Chasing Gold
Team USA's performance at the 2024 World Cup saw them finish second behind Serbia. Serbia, ranked fourth globally, clinched the bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics, showcasing their consistent strength in the 3x3 format. Meanwhile, Latvia, the reigning Olympic Champion, secured third place at the 2023 World Cup, underscoring the competitive field that awaits Team USA in Paris. The medal round is slated for August 5, promising an electrifying climax to the 3x3 basketball event.
Triumph Over Trials
Fredette’s journey from collegiate sensation to an NBA journeyman and now a 3x3 basketball star is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. "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 noted.
As the 2024 Olympics approach, Fredette, along with his teammates, will be aiming not just to compete but to bring home gold for Team USA. His story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that while the path to success may be unpredictable, seizing opportunities and staying committed can lead to remarkable achievements.