During the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette's name was synonymous with college basketball excellence. As a standout player at BYU, he captivated audiences with his remarkable scoring abilities and infectious energy. 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, marking a significant milestone in his storied career.
College Stardom and Transition to the NBA
Fredette's college career was nothing short of spectacular. During the 2010-11 season, he earned Naismith and Player of the Year honors, while also leading BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive time. His historic run saw him scoring a record 2,599 career points, the highest in Mountain West history. Fredette's outstanding performance in college led to him being drafted No. 10 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft.
However, Fredette's NBA career was a rollercoaster. "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 reflected. Despite the unpredictability, he remained resilient: "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."
Revitalization Overseas and 3x3 Basketball
Fredette found renewed success playing overseas, where he dazzled fans and showcased his scoring prowess. Transitioning into the 3x3 basketball format, Fredette's journey took another exciting turn. The U.S. team had previously failed to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games in this fast-paced format, but with Fredette's influence, they have their sights set on redemption at the Paris Olympics.
Fredette's impact on the court did not go unnoticed. He was recognized as the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, underscoring his significance to the national team. "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," Fredette explained, highlighting the unique challenges of the format.
Road to Paris and Team USA's Prospects
The 2024 Paris Games will mark the second time 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event. Team USA's 3x3 basketball roster also includes talented players like Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. Their recent performance was promising, finishing second at the 2024 World Cup behind Serbia. The competition will be fierce, with Serbia holding fourth place on the world leaderboard and having secured a bronze in Tokyo. Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion in 3x3 basketball, also remains a formidable contender, having finished third at the 2023 World Cup.
Team USA's path to Olympic gold will be challenging as they compete against top teams from Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands in a round-robin format. The top two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals, while the teams finishing between third and sixth will face off in the quarterfinals. The medal round is set for August 5, and all eyes will be on Fredette and his teammates as they aim to clinch a podium finish.
The Intricacies of 3x3 Basketball
3x3 basketball introduces a different dynamic compared to the traditional five-on-five game. Played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, the game is fast-paced and requires quick decision-making. A field goal is worth one point or two points if shot from beyond the arc. Notably, there is no inbounds pass after a made basket, and possession changes hands immediately. The game begins with a coin toss to determine which team starts on offense or defense. Possession changes after each made basket, and players must dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before attempting a shot.
A team wins either by being the first to score 21 points or by having the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter. If the game is tied at the end of the quarter, the first team to score two points in overtime emerges victorious.
As Jimmer Fredette prepares to lead Team USA in Paris, his journey serves as a testament to perseverance and adaptability. From college stardom to navigating the ups and downs of an NBA career, to finding success overseas and now excelling in 3x3 basketball, Fredette's story is one of relentless pursuit and dedication. The Paris Games offer another opportunity for Fredette to add to his legacy and inspire a new generation of basketball enthusiasts.