During the early 2010s, few names resonated in college basketball as loudly as Jimmer Fredette. As a standout player for BYU, he captivated fans with his scoring prowess and led the team to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive time during the 2010-11 season. That same season, Fredette was honored with prestigious accolades, including the Naismith Award and Player of the Year honors, cementing his place in college basketball history.
Fredette's remarkable college career, which saw him score an astonishing 2,599 career points—the most in Mountain West history—culminated in him being drafted No. 10 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft, a testament to his skill and potential. However, despite the high expectations, his NBA journey was a mixed bag. "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 remarked, reflecting on his professional journey. "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."
Post-NBA, Fredette found a new path overseas, where he enjoyed a successful career. Yet, it was his venture into the 3x3 basketball format that marked a significant shift in his professional life. A game that might seem an afterthought to some has become a new passion for Fredette. "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," he explained.
A New Chapter with Team USA
In the summer of 2024, Fredette will headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics, an event representing a major milestone for both Fredette and the team. This will mark the second time 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event, with Team USA aiming to improve from their previous performances. The team includes notable players such as Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry, highlighting the depth of talent Fredette will be joining.
Team USA's journey to the Paris Olympics has been intense, marked by their second-place finish at the 2024 World Cup behind Serbia. The competition in Paris promises to be fierce, with top teams such as Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands vying for the top spots. Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion in 3x3 basketball, and Serbia, a bronze medalist in Tokyo, are strong contenders.
The Format and Rules of 3x3 Basketball
For those unfamiliar with the format, 3x3 basketball differs significantly from its 5-on-5 counterpart. The game is played on a half-court with a rapid 12-second shot clock. Field goals are worth one point, or two points if shot from beyond the arc. There are no inbounds passes after a made basket; instead, possession changes hands immediately. Games begin with a coin toss to determine which team starts on offense or defense. After each made basket, players must dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before attempting a shot. A team wins by either being the first to score 21 points or by having the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter. If the game is tied after the quarter, the first team to score two points in overtime takes the win.
The Road Ahead
As the 2024 Paris Games approach, all eyes will be on Fredette and Team USA. With the round-robin format ensuring each team faces a gauntlet of tough opponents, the top two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals, while those finishing between third and sixth will enter the quarterfinals. The medal round is set for August 5, and fans worldwide will be watching to see if Fredette can lead his team to Olympic glory.
Fredette's journey from a star at BYU to the leader of Team USA's 3x3 basketball team is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. His recognition as the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year underscores the impact he's already made in this new format. Regardless of the outcome in Paris, Fredette's story is one of perseverance, illustrating how one can thrive by embracing new opportunities and challenges.