Jimmer Fredette: From NCAA Stardom to USA Basketball’s 3x3 Hopeful
Jimmer Fredette has had a storied basketball career marked by both highs and lows, navigating his journey with resilience and an unyielding passion for the game. From his collegiate success at Brigham Young University (BYU) to his recent achievements in 3x3 basketball, Fredette's path in the sport has been anything but conventional.
Fredette first came into the national spotlight while at BYU, where his extraordinary play earned him the Naismith College Player of the Year award. He not only led his team to back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances but also captured the attention of NBA scouts, resulting in his selection as the 10th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft. Despite the anticipation surrounding his NBA prospects, Fredette's professional career was a tumultuous journey.
"Obviously the NBA career was very up-and-down, but that doesn't just happen to just me,” reflected Fredette. “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."
While many would see such challenges as a setback, Fredette chose to view them as opportunities for growth. "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.
Fredette has now found a new chapter in his career with 3x3 basketball, a rapidly growing variant of the sport. He was named USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year in 2023, a testament to his dedication and skill in this fast-paced and physically demanding game. His role was pivotal in qualifying Team USA for the 2024 Olympics, an achievement that eluded them in the 2020 Tokyo games.
The 3x3 basketball format features a half-court setup and a 12-second shot clock, with field goals worth one point and shots beyond the arc earning two points. The game demands quick decisions, intense physicality, and team coordination, often within the span of a single 10-minute quarter or until one team reaches 21 points. If regulation ends in a tie, the first team to score two points in overtime wins.
"The way this sport works, you either really like it or you don't like it at all," Fredette explained about 3x3 basketball. "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."
For the upcoming Olympics, Team USA’s roster includes notable talents such as Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. They will face stiff competition in pool play against top-tier teams from Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The structure is set for intense matches, with the top two teams from the group automatically advancing to the semi-finals, while the third to sixth-placed teams will battle it out in the quarterfinals for a spot in the final four. The medal round is scheduled for August 5.
Historically, Team USA has had a strong presence but fell short at the recent World Cup, finishing second behind Serbia. The Serbian team, ranked fourth globally, clinched the bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics, making them a formidable opponent. Latvia, the reigning Olympic Champion, also showcased their prowess by securing third place at the 2023 World Cup.
As Fredette and his teammates prepare for the 2024 Olympics, they carry the collective hope and expectation of a nation eager for a gold medal in this burgeoning sport. Fredette’s journey from collegiate star to key player in 3x3 basketball is a narrative of perseverance and adaptability, qualities that will undoubtedly be tested and showcased on the Olympic stage.