It was a journey marked by both triumph and disappointment, but Jimmer Fredette's impact on basketball continues to be felt across the globe. The former BYU standout, who once captured the Naismith College Player of the Year award and led his team to back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances, has resurged on a different stage. Fredette, now distinguished as the USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year in 2023, stands as a pivotal figure in qualifying Team USA for the 2024 Olympics.
Fredette's professional career has seen dramatic evolutions. Drafted as the 10th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft, his NBA journey didn't pan out as many projected. Reflecting on his NBA tenure, Fredette expressed, "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." Yet, his resilience and adaptability have ensured his continuous influence in the sport.
3x3 basketball, a faster and more electrifying variant of traditional basketball, has become Fredette's new arena. Unlike the conventional five-on-five game, 3x3 basketball is played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, where field goals are worth one point and shots beyond the arc count for two. The game demands immediate strategies and swift executions, and Fredette has become an adept player in this high-octane format.
"The way this sport works, you either really like it or you don't like it at all," noted Fredette. "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 3×3 basketball and it's different than five-on-five."
Fredette’s contributions were crucial in Team USA securing their spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, especially after the Americans fell short of making the cut for the 2020 Tokyo games. The team aims to redeem itself this time around, and they are poised with a roster that includes Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry, each bringing unique skills to the court.
In Paris, the Team USA 3x3 basketball team will face formidable opponents. Pool play includes clashes against Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The competition format is relentless—the top two teams in the group will directly advance to the semi-finals, while the third to sixth-placed teams will vie for a further spot in the final four through the quarterfinals. With the medal round scheduled for August 5, every game holds significant weight. Special attention will be on Serbia, who finished first in the 2024 World Cup and placed fourth globally after clinching the bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics. Reigning Olympic Champion Latvia, which secured third in the 2023 World Cup, also poses a significant challenge.
The sport's unique rules and the fast pace make every match an intense clash of skills and tactics. The first team to score 21 points or the team leading after a single 10-minute quarter wins. In the event of a tie, the first team to score two points in overtime prevails, adding an extra layer of excitement.
Fredette's journey from NCAA sensation to a symbol of perseverance in 3x3 basketball epitomizes the evolution of athletes who adapt and thrive. "But as one door closes, another door opens," he said, embodying an ethos many athletes understand. "I always tried to take full advantage of that by working hard and being prepared and believing in myself."
As Team USA gears up for their Olympic quest, Fredette’s experience and leadership will be essential. His story is one of dedication, adaptability, and an unyielding spirit that inspires many young athletes. His ability to transition and excel in varied basketball formats is not just a testament to his skill, but to the undying passion he brings to the game.