During the early 2010s, one name resonated throughout college basketball circles: Jimmer Fredette. As a standout player at Brigham Young University (BYU), Fredette captivated audiences with his scoring prowess, earning accolades such as the Naismith Award and Player of the Year honors during the 2010-11 season. In that same season, Fredette led BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive time, solidifying his legacy with a record 2,599 career points, the most in Mountain West Conference history.
The NBA Draft in 2011 saw this college sensation being selected 10th overall by the Sacramento Kings. However, Fredette's journey through the NBA was anything but smooth. "Obviously the NBA career was very up-and-down, but that doesn't just happen to just me," Fredette explained. "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."
Post-NBA, Fredette's career took an international turn, where he found significant success playing overseas. Yet, the world of basketball would see another transformation in Fredette’s career as he ventured into the burgeoning format of 3x3 basketball. As Fredette embraced this new challenge, he was recognized as the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, a testament to his adaptability and skill in the shorter, faster-paced version of the game.
Road to Paris
Fast forward to the summer of 2024, and Fredette is set to headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics. This will be the second time 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event, following its debut in Tokyo 2020, where Team USA did not manage to qualify. "The way this sport works, you either really like it or you don't like it at all," Fredette said of 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 3×3 basketball and it's different than five-on-five."
The U.S. roster for Paris includes teammates Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. This formidable team recently finished second at the 2024 World Cup, narrowly behind Serbia. As they gear up for the Olympic stage, they face stiff competition from powerhouse teams such as Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands in a round-robin format. The top two teams from this group will advance to the semi-finals, while the teams finishing third through sixth will battle in the quarterfinals. All eyes will be on these intense matchups, culminating in the medal round on August 5th.
The Unique Challenges and Thrills of 3x3 Basketball
3x3 basketball presents a unique set of rules that distinguish it from the traditional 5-on-5 game. Played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, the fast-paced nature of the game demands quick decision-making and relentless energy. Each field goal is worth one point, or two points if shot from beyond the arc. Interestingly, there is no inbounds pass after a made basket. The game kicks off with a coin toss to determine which team starts on offense or defense, and possession changes after each made basket. Players must dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before attempting another shot, adding a layer of strategy to every possession.
Victory in 3x3 basketball is claimed either by being the first to score 21 points or by having the highest score at the end of a single 10-minute quarter. In the event of a tie, the first team to score two points in overtime clinches the win, often leading to nail-biting finishes.
Fredette has been instrumental in guiding Team USA to this prestigious event, and his leadership and experience will be crucial as the team navigates through the fierce competition. The anticipation builds as fans worldwide look forward to witnessing whether Fredette and his team can capture gold against the best 3x3 teams from around the globe.
As Jimmer Fredette prepares to take center stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics, his career trajectory serves as a reminder of resilience and the continuous pursuit of excellence. From college phenom to NBA draftee, and now an Olympian in the 3x3 format, Fredette's journey encapsulates the evolving landscape of basketball and the unyielding spirit of an athlete dedicated to his craft.