In a storied career filled with highs and lows, Jimmer Fredette has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Emerging as a collegiate sensation at BYU, Fredette clinched the prestigious Naismith College Player of the Year award, leading his team to back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances. This sterling performance earned him the 10th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft.
Despite this promising start, Fredette’s NBA journey was anything but smooth. Reflecting on his career, Fredette 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 might not have been the perfect arena for Jimmer Fredette, the world of 3x3 basketball seems to have embraced him wholeheartedly. In 2023, Fredette was named USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year. His significant contributions played a pivotal role in securing Team USA's qualification for the 2024 Olympics, a notable achievement given the Americans' failure to make the cut for the 2020 Tokyo games.
Fredette's new journey in the compact yet high-octane world of 3x3 basketball is remarkably different from the traditional five-on-five game. "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 noted.
3x3 Basketball: A Brief Overview
In case you’re unfamiliar with the format, 3x3 basketball is contested on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock. Field goals are worth one point each, with shots beyond the arc earning two points. After every basket, the ball changes possession, and the game continues. The first team to reach 21 points or the team with the most points after a single 10-minute quarter is declared the winner. In the event of a tie, the first team to score two points in overtime claims victory.
The Road to Paris 2024
The upcoming Olympic Games in summer 2024 will mark the second official inclusion of 3x3 basketball. Team USA's roster, featuring notable talents like Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry alongside Fredette, is set to face formidable competition in pool play. Rivals include heavyweights like Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands.
The competition format is straightforward yet intense. The top two teams from the group will automatically advance to the semi-finals. Teams ranked third to sixth in the group will need to battle through the quarterfinals for a spot in the final four. The medal games are scheduled for August 5, promising a climactic end to what is set to be a thrilling tournament.
Team USA's Tough Opponents
Team USA secured a commendable second place behind Serbia at the 2024 World Cup. Serbia, ranked fourth globally, has proven to be a relentless competitor, notably clinching the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Meanwhile, Latvia, the reigning Olympic Champion, took third place at the 2023 World Cup, highlighting the fierce competition that awaits Team USA.
Embodying a Career of Resilience
Fredette’s journey from collegiate star to NBA player and now 3x3 basketball standout demonstrates a career marked by adaptability and perseverance. "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," Fredette said, a sentiment that continues to guide him as he aims for Olympic glory.
As the clock ticks down to the 2024 Olympics, all eyes will be on the 3x3 basketball court, where Jimmer Fredette and Team USA hope to etch their names in the annals of Olympic history.