During the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette captivated college basketball fans as a star player at BYU. He earned Naismith and Player of the Year honors in the 2010-11 season and guided BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year while amassing a record 2,599 career points, the most in Mountain West history. Fast forward to the summer of 2024, and Fredette once again has an opportunity to showcase his talents on a global stage, this time as the headliner for the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics.
A Storied College Career
Fredette's journey began at Brigham Young University, where his scoring prowess and leadership qualities earned him national recognition. As a prolific shooter, Fredette was drafted No. 10 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft. While his NBA career didn't reach the heights expected, Fredette's passion for basketball never waned.
Transitioning to Success Overseas
"Obviously the NBA career was very up-and-down, but that doesn't just happen to just me," Fredette reflects. "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." That positive mindset carried Fredette overseas, where he found success playing in various international leagues, further honing his skills and adapting to different styles of play.
Emergence in the 3x3 Format
Fredette eventually ventured into the 3x3 basketball format, a variation of the traditional five-on-five game performed on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock. A field goal in 3x3 is worth one point or two points if shot from beyond the arc, and the game initiates with a coin toss. The fast-paced nature and unique rules have captivated audiences, and Fredette has proven to be a key player in this environment. "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," he explains.
Road to the Paris Olympics
Team USA, which unfortunately failed to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games in 3x3 basketball, is now back with a vengeance. The 2024 Paris Games mark the second time that 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event. Fredette has been instrumental in leading Team USA to the Olympics, earning the title of 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year.
Joining Fredette on the U.S. roster are notable players Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. The team has already demonstrated its potential by finishing second at the 2024 World Cup, falling short only to Serbia, who holds fourth place on the world leaderboard and secured a bronze in Tokyo. Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion in 3x3 basketball, finished third at the 2023 World Cup, showcasing the highly competitive field that awaits in Paris.
Format and Competition
The Olympics 3x3 basketball competition involves a round-robin format where Team USA will face off against teams from Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The top two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals, while the teams finishing between third and sixth will compete in the quarterfinals. The medal round is set for August 5, promising intense matchups as countries vie for Olympic glory.
The rules of 3x3 basketball ensure a fast and thrilling experience. There is no inbounds pass after a made basket; possession changes immediately, and players must dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before attempting a shot. A team can win 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 regulation, the first team to score two points in overtime clinches the victory.
As the Paris Olympics approach, Jimmer Fredette's journey from college basketball standout to international 3x3 trailblazer will serve as an inspiration to many. His resilience and adaptability continue to define his career, leaving fans eager to see what he and Team USA will achieve on the Olympic stage.