Fredette's Evolution: From NCAA Stardom to Olympic 3x3 Hopeful
Jimmer Fredette's journey through basketball has been marked by peaks and valleys, triumphs and setbacks. As he gears up to lead Team USA in 3x3 basketball at the 2024 Olympics, Fredette reflects on his varied career with a sense of perspective and determination.
BYU Glory Days
Fredette first burst onto the national radar at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he captured the Naismith College Player of the Year award. His electrifying performances led BYU to back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances, cementing his status as one of college basketball’s standout players. His collegiate success translated into being the 10th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft. However, the transition to the NBA wasn’t as smooth as many had anticipated.
"Obviously the NBA career was very up-and-down, but that doesn't just happen to just me," Fredette acknowledges. "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."
New Beginnings in 3x3 Basketball
Fredette’s basketball journey took a significant turn when he embraced the emerging discipline of 3x3 basketball. His skills and experience have made him an integral part of Team USA, and his efforts were rewarded when he was named USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year in 2023. His leadership played a crucial role in securing Team USA's qualification for the 2024 Olympics, a feat that the Americans failed to achieve for the 2020 Tokyo games.
The 3x3 basketball format, featuring a half-court setup and a rapid 12-second shot clock, demands a different strategic approach compared to traditional five-on-five basketball. Each field goal in 3x3 basketball is worth one point, with shots beyond the arc earning two points. The ball changes possession after each basket, irrespective of whether it was made or missed, adding a layer of urgency and excitement. A game can end when a team reaches 21 points or the team with the most points after a single 10-minute quarter wins. In the event of a tie, the first team to score two points in overtime clinches the victory.
This fast-paced, high-intensity environment has its unique set of challenges and rewards. "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," Fredette says. "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."
Road to Paris 2024
As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympics continues, Team USA's 3x3 basketball roster also includes Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. The competition will be intense as Team USA faces formidable opponents during pool play, including Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The top two teams in 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. The medal round is set for August 5.
At the recent 2024 World Cup, Team USA finished second behind Serbia, indicating the stiff competition they will face. Serbia, ranked fourth globally, secured the bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics and will be a formidable adversary. Latvia, the reigning Olympic Champion, also made a strong showing by placing third at the 2023 World Cup, further highlighting the level of competition awaiting Team USA.
The Olympic Quest
Despite the fluctuations in his basketball career, Fredette remains optimistic and committed to his craft. "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," he asserts.
With a renewed sense of purpose and a wealth of experience, Jimmer Fredette's journey from NCAA stardom to an Olympic 3x3 hopeful is a testament to his resilience and dedication to the game. As Team USA prepares to compete on the world stage, his leadership and skill will undoubtedly be pivotal in their quest for Olympic glory.