In the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette's name was synonymous with college basketball excellence. Emerging as a star player for BYU, he mesmerized fans with his prolific scoring and remarkable on-court prowess. His stellar performances in the 2010-11 season earned him both the Naismith and Player of the Year honors, distinguishing him as one of the most dynamic players of his generation. His leadership helped BYU reach the Sweet 16 for a second consecutive time, and he accumulated a record-breaking 2,599 career points, the highest in Mountain West history.
Fredette's journey continued as he was drafted No. 10 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft. While his NBA career was marked by ups and downs, Fredette managed to make the most of each opportunity. Reflecting on his NBA journey, Fredette said, "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. 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 a somewhat tumultuous NBA stint, Fredette found success overseas, journeying through various international leagues. His adaptability and relentless work ethic allowed him to resurrect his career and showcase his talents on foreign courts. In a twist of fate, Fredette ventured into the world of 3x3 basketball—a different but increasingly popular format of the game.
Ascension in 3x3 Basketball
The transition to 3x3 basketball came naturally for Fredette, who quickly became a key figure in the sport. His skills and dedication did not go unnoticed, culminating in his recognition as the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year. This prestigious honor underscored his notable contributions to the sport and cemented his place as a leader on the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team.
In the summer of 2024, Fredette will headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics. Reflecting on the challenges and allure of 3x3 basketball, Fredette remarked, "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."
Team USA's 2024 Olympic Journey
Team USA's road to the Paris Olympics has been marked by both triumph and hardship. The squad, which includes Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Jimmer Fredette, finished second at the 2024 World Cup, trailing only behind Serbia. This runner-up finish was a significant accomplishment, particularly considering Team USA's failure to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games in 3x3 basketball.
The 2024 Paris Games will mark the second occasion 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event. Team USA will face fierce competition in a round-robin format, competing against some of the world's top teams, including Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion, secured third place at the 2023 World Cup, while Serbia, holding fourth place on the world leaderboard, bagged a bronze medal in Tokyo.
The Dynamics of 3x3 Basketball
3x3 basketball is distinct from its traditional counterpart, bringing a faster-paced, high-intensity game. Played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, the format emphasizes quick decision-making and rapid scoring. A field goal inside the arc is worth one point, while a shot beyond the arc earns two points. Notably, there is no inbounds pass after a made basket; possession changes immediately, necessitating constant vigilance and strategy.
The game begins with a coin toss to determine possession. After each made basket, the scoring team must dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before attempting a shot, adding another layer of tactical depth. 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 emerges victorious.
Looking Ahead to Paris
The stage is set for an exhilarating competition in Paris, with the medal round scheduled for August 5. The top two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals, while teams finishing between third and sixth will face off in the quarterfinals. As Fredette continues to lead by example, Team USA will aim to capitalize on their momentum and bring home Olympic glory in the thrilling arena of 3x3 basketball.