Jimmer Fredette Set to Lead U.S. 3x3 Men's Basketball Team at Paris Olympics
During the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette emerged as a basketball phenomenon at Brigham Young University (BYU). As a standout player, he captivated audiences with his scoring prowess and relentless drive. His stellar performances earned him the prestigious Naismith and Player of the Year accolades in the 2010-11 season, and he led BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year. By the end of his college career, Fredette had amassed a record 2,599 points, the highest in Mountain West history.
In the 2011 NBA Draft, Fredette was selected 10th overall by the Sacramento Kings. However, his professional career in the NBA did not unfold as anticipated. "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 challenges, he remained resilient and sought opportunities globally, finding success playing overseas.
Fredette's transition to the 3x3 basketball format has been a revelation. His deep understanding of the game and ability to adapt to its unique demands have been instrumental in Team USA's journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The former BYU star will headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team, a format that made its Olympic debut in Tokyo and will be featured for the second time in Paris. The significance of this moment hasn't been lost on Fredette, who was named the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year.
3x3 basketball, played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, introduces a fast-paced and dynamic style of play. The rules differ from traditional five-on-five basketball, with a field goal worth one point or two points if shot from beyond the arc. There is no inbounds pass after a made basket, and possession changes immediately, requiring players to dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before attempting another shot. A team wins by being the first to score 21 points or by having the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter. If tied after the quarter, overtime is decided by the first team to score two points.
"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 candidly remarked. This emotional intensity and unique challenge have evidently invigorated his career.
The U.S. 3x3 men’s basketball team roster for Paris includes Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry alongside Fredette. Together, they clinched a silver medal at the 2024 World Cup, finishing just behind Serbia. This strong performance has set high expectations for their Olympic quest. Notably, Team USA didn’t qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games in 3x3 basketball, adding an extra layer of motivation and determination.
The competition in Paris will feature a challenging round-robin format, with Team USA facing off against formidable opponents such as Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The top two teams from the group will advance directly to the semi-finals, while teams finishing between third and sixth will battle it out in the quarterfinals. The anticipation is building towards the medal round set for August 5.
Serbia, currently holding fourth place on the world leaderboard and proudly carrying a bronze medal from Tokyo, will certainly be a formidable rival. Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion, secured third place at the 2023 World Cup and will also be a significant contender.
Fredette's journey from college star to an international 3x3 basketball sensation underscores his versatility and determination. His role in leading Team USA at the Paris Olympics is poised to be a crowning achievement in a career marked by resilience and adaptability. As he steps onto the court, Fredette's story continues to inspire, reminding fans and aspiring athletes of the relentless pursuit of excellence.