Fredette’s Journey from College Star to Olympic 3x3 Basketball Leader
During the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette captured the attention of the basketball world with his stellar performances at BYU. A prolific scorer and dynamic playmaker, Fredette earned Naismith and Player of the Year honors in the 2010-11 season while guiding BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive time. His record-setting 2,599 career points remain the highest in Mountain West history, cementing his legacy as one of college basketball’s all-time greats.
Fredette's impressive college career led to him being drafted No. 10 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft. However, his NBA career was marked by inconsistency. "Obviously the NBA career was very up-and-down, but that doesn't just happen to just me," Fredette reflected. "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. 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."
After his NBA stint, Fredette found success playing overseas. However, it was his foray into 3x3 basketball that marked a significant transition in his career. A new format, 3x3 basketball, debuted at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, though Team USA failed to qualify. Now, with the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, Fredette will headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team, a testament to his adaptability and relentless drive.
The Road to Paris 2024
In 2023, Fredette’s contributions were recognized when he was named USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding Team USA to the Paris Olympics, an achievement underscored by their second-place finish at the 2024 World Cup behind Serbia. As Fredette leads his team, he will rely on the support of teammates Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry.
Serbia, currently fourth on the world leaderboard and a bronze medalist in Tokyo, will be a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion in 3x3 basketball, secured third place at the 2023 World Cup and is also a strong contender. Team USA will compete against these top teams, along with Poland, Lithuania, France, China, and the Netherlands, in a fiercely competitive round-robin format. The top two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals, while the teams finishing between third and sixth will face off in the quarterfinals. The medal round is set for August 5.
The Unique Challenges of 3x3 Basketball
3x3 basketball is played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, a distinct departure from the traditional five-on-five format. Each field goal is worth one point, or two points if shot from beyond the arc. Possession changes after each made basket, without an inbounds pass, and the game begins with a coin toss to determine which team starts on offense or defense. A game is won either by 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 wins.
"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."
As Fredette and Team USA prepare for Paris, the stakes are high. The rapid pace and unpredictability of 3x3 basketball ensure that every possession counts, and the pressure is intense. Yet, it is precisely these challenges that Fredette seems to thrive on, using each opportunity to showcase his skills and leadership.
Fredette’s journey from collegiate superstar to international 3x3 basketball leader exemplifies resilience and adaptability. As he takes the court in Paris, his story will undoubtedly inspire both his teammates and basketball fans around the world.