Jimmer Fredette's Journey: From College Star to 3x3 Basketball Hero
Jimmer Fredette's name still resonates strongly with basketball fans, thanks to his storied college career and his recent achievements in the world of 3x3 basketball. At BYU, Fredette’s exceptional talent earned him the Naismith College Player of the Year award, and he spearheaded his team to consecutive Sweet 16 appearances. Recognizing his potential, the Sacramento Kings selected him as the 10th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
While Fredette's NBA career didn't quite pan out as many had hoped, his perseverance and skill have found a new stage. Reflecting on his NBA journey, Fredette commented, "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’s transition to 3x3 basketball has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2023, he was named USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, a testament to his significant contributions to the sport. His prowess on the court played an instrumental role in securing a spot for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics, after the Americans failed to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo games.
Discussing the unique nature of 3x3 basketball, Fredette shared, "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."
Indeed, 3x3 basketball is an intensely fast-paced game, featuring a half-court setup and a brisk 12-second shot clock. Field goals are worth one point, and shots from beyond the arc earn two points, with possession changing hands after each basket. The first team to reach 21 points or the team with the most points at the end of a single 10-minute quarter wins the game. If the game ends in a tie, the first team to score two points in overtime claims victory.
Fredette's journey in 3x3 basketball is not a solo endeavor. The roster for Team USA's 3x3 basketball team includes Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry, collectively aiming for Olympic glory in Paris. In their quest, they will face formidable opponents from Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands during the pool play. The top two teams from the group stage will automatically advance to the semi-finals, while the third to sixth-placed teams will battle in the quarterfinals for a spot in the final four. The medal round is scheduled for August 5.
In recent international play, Team USA finished second behind Serbia at the 2024 World Cup. Serbia, currently ranked fourth globally, clinched the bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics. Meanwhile, Latvia, the reigning Olympic Champion, placed third at the 2023 World Cup.
Fredette remains optimistic despite the ups and downs of his career. "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 reflected.
As Team USA prepares for the Olympics, the anticipation and excitement around 3x3 basketball continue to build. An official Olympic event for only the second time, this fast-paced version of the game captures the imagination of fans and players alike and offers a new avenue for athletes like Fredette to shine on the world stage. His journey from college hero to professional perseverance, and now as a star in 3x3 basketball, underscores the unyielding spirit and adaptability that define great athletes.