In the early 2010s, few names captured the attention of college basketball fans like Jimmer Fredette. A star at BYU, Fredette mesmerized audiences with his scoring prowess, earning Naismith and Player of the Year honors in the 2010-11 season. His remarkable journey saw him guide BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive time, cementing his status as one of the greatest to have ever played in the Mountain West.
Fredette's collegiate career was nothing short of historic. Accumulating a record 2,599 career points, he set the all-time scoring mark in Mountain West history. Following this illustrious stint, Fredette was drafted No. 10 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft. While his professional career in the NBA saw its fair share of challenges and fluctuations, it opened new doors for Fredette, particularly abroad.
"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 candidly shared. "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."
A New Chapter: 3x3 Basketball
Fredette's journey would see a significant turn as he ventured into the dynamic world of 3x3 basketball, a format that has gained considerable traction globally. The format is thrillingly fast-paced, played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock. Field goals are worth one point, or two if shot from beyond the arc, and there is no inbounds pass after a made basket. A game commences with a coin toss to decide which team starts on offense or defense, and teams either win by being the first to reach 21 points or by having the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter. If tied, the first team to score two points in overtime claims victory.
Leading Team USA to Paris
Fredette’s foray into 3x3 basketball has been nothing short of noteworthy. His skillset has greatly contributed to Team USA's achievements and aspirations. His efforts were recognized when he was named the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, underscoring his importance to the national team’s setup.
Team USA experienced a setback when they failed to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games in 3x3 basketball. However, with the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics marking the second time 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event, Fredette will headline the U.S. 3x3 men’s basketball team. Joining him will be Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry, as they aim for Olympic glory amidst fierce competition.
The Path to Glory
The road to the Olympics has been intense. Team USA finished second at the 2024 World Cup behind Serbia, a formidable opponent that holds fourth place on the world leaderboard and secured a bronze medal in Tokyo. Much of the competition remains the same as Team USA will face Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands in a round-robin format. The top two teams will advance directly to the semi-finals, while teams finishing between third and sixth will battle it out in the quarterfinals. The medal round is scheduled for August 5.
Among the primary contenders is Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion in 3x3 basketball, which also secured third place at the 2023 World Cup. This underlines the level of challenge awaiting Fredette and his teammates.
The Emotional Ride of 3x3 Basketball
Fredette openly acknowledges the unique demands and emotional intensity that defines 3x3 basketball. "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 explained. "There's just so much emotion in 3x3 basketball and it's different than five-on-five."
This coming summer in Paris represents not just another tournament, but a culmination of Fredette's resilience and adaptability. The evolution from a college prodigy to an international 3x3 standout highlights his journey, filled with highs and lows, and ultimately, his unwavering passion for the game.