Jimmer Fredette's Remarkable Return Shines Bright in 3x3 Basketball
Long known for his scoring prowess at BYU, where he captured the Naismith College Player of the Year award, and led his team to back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances, Jimmer Fredette is writing a new chapter in his storied basketball career. His journey through the professional ranks has been a tapestry of high expectations and trials, culminating now in a defining role in the 3x3 basketball domain.
Selected as the 10th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft, Fredette's NBA career was marked by highs and lows. Reflecting on his time in the league, Fredette shared, "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." Despite the challenges, Fredette's relentless pursuit of his basketball dreams has seen him flourish in various leagues globally, and now in the burgeoning format of 3x3 basketball.
In 2023, Fredette’s contribution to the sport was formally recognized as he was named USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year. His performance played an instrumental role in qualifying Team USA for the 2024 Olympics, signaling a comeback for the team after failing to make the cut for the 2020 Tokyo games. This resurgence has rekindled hopes and excitement among U.S. basketball fans, eager to see their nation compete on the global stage in this high-octane format.
Joining Fredette on Team USA's 3x3 roster are Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry, a formidable squad poised to make a strong showing in the 2024 Olympics, where 3x3 basketball will make its second official appearance. The sport, known for its half-court setup and 12-second shot clock, favors quick thinking and rapid transitions. Each basket sees the ball change possession, ensuring a continuously dynamic and unpredictable game. Field goals are worth one point with shots beyond the arc earning two, and the team that reaches 21 points first or has the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter is declared the winner. In case of a tie, the first team to score two points in overtime clinches the victory.
Fredette's enthusiasm for 3x3 basketball is palpable. "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. This blend of passion and pragmatism underscores the unique challenges and rewards of the game.
In the upcoming pool play, Team USA will face off against strong contenders including Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The top two teams from the group will automatically advance to the semi-finals, while the third to sixth-placed teams will compete in the quarterfinals for a spot in the final four. With the medal round slated for August 5, there's much anticipation surrounding the potential matchups and outcomes.
Team USA's recent performance also stirs optimism. The squad finished second behind Serbia at the 2024 World Cup, with Serbia currently ranked fourth globally after clinching the bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics. Meanwhile, Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion, secured a third-place finish at the 2023 World Cup, adding another layer of intrigue to the competition.
Reflecting on his career, Fredette remains ever the optimist. "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." His journey from college sensation to global 3x3 basketball star epitomizes resilience and adaptability, traits that will undoubtedly serve him and Team USA well as they strive for Olympic glory.