During the pinnacle of his college career at BYU in the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette captivated basketball fans with his remarkable scoring prowess. The 2010-11 season was particularly memorable for Fredette as he earned Naismith and Player of the Year honors, leading BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year. Fredette’s record-setting 2,599 career points remain the highest in Mountain West history, cementing his legacy as one of the most electrifying players in college basketball.
Fredette's journey then took him to the NBA, where he was drafted 10th overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2011. Reflecting on his NBA tenure, Fredette acknowledged the challenges: "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."
Finding solace and success overseas, Fredette reinvented his career, ultimately venturing into the 3x3 basketball format. A dynamic twist on the traditional five-on-five game, 3x3 basketball features a half-court setup, a 12-second shot clock, and unique rules that require instant adaptation and relentless pace. "The way this sport works, you either really like it or you don't like it at all," Fredette noted. "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."
Fredette's dedication to the sport has earned him a spot on the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team that will compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Fresh off being named the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, Fredette is set to headline a talented roster that includes Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. The 2024 Paris Games will mark the second occasion 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event, following its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games where Team USA failed to qualify.
This time around, Team USA has shown substantial promise, finishing second at the 2024 World Cup behind Serbia. The competition in Paris will be fierce, with top-ranked teams from Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands set to compete in a round-robin format. Notably, Serbia, which is fourth on the world leaderboard and claimed bronze in Tokyo, and Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion and third-place finisher at the 2023 World Cup, will be formidable opponents.
The stakes in the group stage are high as only the top two teams will advance directly to the semi-finals. Teams finishing from third to sixth will face an additional challenge in the quarterfinals, striving for a chance at the medal round set for August 5. The unique structure and fast pace of 3x3 basketball demand strategic play and endurance, with games decided either by reaching 21 points first or having the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter. In tied matches, the first team to score two points in overtime secures the win.
Fredette has been a linchpin in Team USA's journey to the Paris Olympics. His experience and skill have been instrumental in guiding the team through rigorous qualifications and international competitions. As he prepares for this next chapter, Fredette embodies a resilience and passion for the game that continues to inspire both teammates and fans alike.
With the Olympics fast approaching, the anticipation builds for what could be another defining moment in Jimmer Fredette's storied basketball career. His journey from college stardom to overcoming the trials of professional play and embracing the rapid-fire world of 3x3 basketball stands as a testament to his dedication and adaptability. As Team USA aims for glory in Paris, Fredette's leadership and clutch play will be crucial in their quest for Olympic gold.