Fredette's Journey from College Star to Olympic 3x3 Headliner
During the early 2010s, few names echoed louder in college basketball circles than Jimmer Fredette. As a standout player for Brigham Young University (BYU), Fredette captured the nation's attention with his scoring prowess and dazzling athleticism. His performance during the 2010-11 season earned him both Naismith and Player of the Year honors, cementing him as a household name. Guiding BYU to their second consecutive Sweet 16 appearance, Fredette's record-setting 2,599 career points became the highest in Mountain West history.
His collegiate success led to his selection as the 10th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft. However, Fredette's NBA career did not follow the same meteoric trajectory. "Obviously, the NBA career was very up-and-down, but that doesn't just happen to just me," Fredette reflected. "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. 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."
Finding less stability in the NBA, Fredette transitioned to playing overseas, where he carved out a successful career. But his journey didn't stop there. Fredette ventured into the 3x3 basketball format, a variant of the traditional game played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock. This new direction culminated in his headlining role for the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics in the summer of 2024.
Fredette's Impact on Team USA
The 2024 Paris Games mark the second time 3x3 basketball will be recognized as an official Olympic event. Team USA, having failed to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games in this format, is eager to make a significant impact. The current roster, featuring Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry alongside Fredette, showcases a blend of talent and experience.
Fredette's contribution has been vital to Team USA's journey. Recognized as the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, Fredette has been instrumental in guiding the team. Despite finishing second at the 2024 World Cup behind Serbia, the team remains optimistic about their prospects in Paris. The U.S. will compete in a round-robin format against formidable teams from Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The top two teams from this group will advance to the semi-finals, while those finishing between third and sixth will face off in the quarterfinals. The medal round is set for August 5.
"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 3×3 basketball and it's different than five-on-five."
The Excitement and Rules of 3x3 Basketball
3x3 basketball, while differing from the traditional five-on-five, brings its unique excitement to the court. 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. Instead, possession changes immediately, requiring players to dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before attempting a shot. The game begins with a coin toss to determine which team starts on offense or defense, and a team wins either by being the first to score 21 points or having the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter. If tied after the quarter, the first team to score two points in overtime clinches the victory.
As anticipation builds for the Paris Olympics, all eyes will be on Fredette and his teammates as they aim to showcase their talent on the grandest stage. With a storied career that has seen highs and lows, Fredette's perseverance and adaptability have brought him to this pivotal moment. Eager to capitalize on this opportunity, Fredette and Team USA hope to leave an indelible mark on 3x3 basketball history.