Jimmer Fredette Leads U.S. 3x3 Men's Basketball Team to Paris Olympics
Jimmer Fredette, a name nostalgic to college basketball fans, is set to headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics in the summer of 2024. Fredette, who became a household name during his dominant collegiate career at Brigham Young University (BYU), now embarks on a new chapter on the global stage of 3x3 basketball.
Fredette's storied career began at BYU, where he earned Naismith and Player of the Year honors in the 2010-11 season. His remarkable talent guided BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year and cemented him as the leading scorer in Mountain West history with 2,599 career points. These accolades led to his selection as the 10th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft.
However, Fredette's NBA journey was marked by fluctuations. 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. 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's pursuit of basketball greatness took him overseas, where he found notable success. His resilience and adaptability eventually led him to the emerging 3x3 basketball format, a sport rapidly gaining popularity and recognition. His foray into 3x3 proved fruitful, as he was named the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, illustrating his impactful presence in the sport.
In Paris, Fredette will line up alongside teammates Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry, forming a formidable squad aiming for gold. The U.S. team narrowly missed the mark at the 2020 Tokyo Games, failing to qualify. The Paris 2024 Games, marking the second time 3x3 basketball is an official Olympic event, offers a renewed opportunity for Team USA.
The team recently finished second at the 2024 World Cup, trailing behind Serbia, a consistent powerhouse in 3x3 basketball. Serbia prides itself on a fourth-place world ranking, having secured a bronze medal in Tokyo. The reigning Olympic champion, Latvia, clinched third place at the 2023 World Cup and remains a significant contender.
In Paris, the competition will be fierce. Team USA will face off in a round-robin format against top teams including Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The top two teams from this group advance directly to the semi-finals, while the next four teams contend in the quarterfinals. The journey to the medal round, set for August 5, promises intense matches and high stakes.
3x3 basketball's distinct format brings unique challenges and dynamics. Played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, the game values quick decision-making and high-paced action. Field goals are worth one point or two if shot from beyond the arc. Unlike traditional basketball, there is no inbounds pass after a made basket. Possession changes automatically and the game begins with a coin toss, determining which team starts on offense or defense.
Teams must adapt fluidly, as possession after each basket requires the ball to be dribbled or passed outside the arc before a shot attempt. A team wins by either being the first to score 21 points or holding the highest score after a 10-minute quarter. In the case of a tie, the first team to score two points in overtime secures the victory.
Fredette acknowledged the demands of the sport, stating, "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 3×3 basketball and it's different than five-on-five."
Fredette’s journey to the Paris Olympics underscores his enduring passion and adaptability in basketball. From leading BYU to setting records in collegiate basketball, navigating the NBA's peaks and troughs, and now spearheading Team USA's 3x3 aspirations, Fredette continues to exemplify resilience and excellence at every turn.