In the world of basketball, Jimmer Fredette is a name that evokes a strong sense of what might have been. While his NBA career didn't unfold as he had hoped, Fredette has made a remarkable impact elsewhere, particularly in the context of 3x3 basketball. His journey from a collegiate standout to a key figure in an Olympic-qualifying team is nothing short of inspiring.
Fredette first gained national attention as a star player at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he captured the Naismith College Player of the Year award. His leadership on the court led BYU to consecutive Sweet 16 appearances, cementing his status as one of the top college players of his era. The Sacramento Kings selected him as the 10th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, and hopes were high for his professional career.
However, Fredette's time in the NBA was anything but consistent. Reflecting on his time in the league, he remarked, "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."
While the NBA door may not have fully opened for him, Fredette found new opportunities in the world of 3x3 basketball. In 2023, he was named USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport. The shorter, more intense format of 3x3 basketball requires different skills and a distinct mindset—qualities that Fredette has embraced wholeheartedly.
"The way this sport works, you either really like it or you don't like it at all," Fredette explained. "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 contribution was instrumental in qualifying Team USA for the 2024 Olympics, helping the Americans rebound from their failure to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo games. The upcoming Olympic appearance in Paris marks only the second time that 3x3 basketball will be featured as an official Olympic event, adding to the stakes and excitement.
Joining Fredette on the roster are Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. This talented group will face stiff competition in pool play, taking on formidable teams from Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The format is unforgiving, with the top two teams in the group automatically advancing to the semi-finals. Teams placed third to sixth must compete in the quarterfinals for a chance to reach the final four.
The final prize will be awarded on August 5, and Team USA is prepared to face the world's best. Having finished second to Serbia at the 2024 World Cup, Fredette and his teammates are no strangers to the high-level competition. Serbia, ranked fourth globally, secured the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, while Latvia, the reigning Olympic Champion, claimed third place at the 2023 World Cup.
3x3 basketball as a sport is characterized by its half-court setup and 12-second shot clock, creating a fast-paced, high-intensity experience. Field goals are worth one point, with shots beyond the arc counting for two. Following each basket, the ball changes possession regardless of whether the shot is made or missed. The first team to reach 21 points or the team with the most points after a single 10-minute quarter wins the game. In the event of a tie, the first team to score two points in overtime clinches the victory.
As Fredette reflects on his career and the twists and turns it has taken, he remains optimistic. "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 said.
Fredette's journey serves as a reminder that success in sports, like in life, is often about resilience and seizing new opportunities. As he prepares to lead Team USA in Paris, his story continues to inspire fans and athletes worldwide, proving that there are many paths to greatness in the world of sports.