In the 2010s, few names in college basketball shone as brightly as Jimmer Fredette's. Elevating Brigham Young University (BYU) to new heights, Fredette's stellar performances, especially in the 2010-11 season, earned him the prestigious Naismith and Player of the Year honors. More than just an individual accolade, Fredette's prowess on the court was instrumental in guiding BYU to consecutive Sweet 16 appearances, a feat that left an indelible mark in the annals of Mountain West history. Scoring a record 2,599 career points, Fredette set a benchmark that still stands today.
Transitioning from college stardom to the professional stage, Fredette was selected 10th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft. Reflecting on his varied NBA journey, Fredette commented, "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." This resilience saw Fredette eventually find success playing overseas, where he honed his skills and adapted to a new style of play.
Venturing into 3x3 Basketball
A significant chapter in Fredette's basketball journey unfolded as he ventured into the 3x3 basketball format, a fast-paced and emotionally charged variation of the traditional 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 3×3 basketball and it's different than five-on-five," Fredette explained.
The U.S. men's basketball team faced a setback by not qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Games in the 3x3 category. However, with Fredette at the forefront, the team has rejuvenated its ambitions for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 2024 Paris Games mark the second official Olympic event to feature 3x3 basketball, and Fredette's leadership and experience have been pivotal in their qualification journey. Recognized for his significant contributions, Fredette was named the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year.
Team USA's lineup for the Paris Olympics reads like a roster of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. Alongside Fredette, Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry make up the core team that has demonstrated considerable potential on the international stage. In a strong showing at the 2024 World Cup, Team USA finished second only to Serbia, a team that holds the fourth spot on the world leaderboard and secured a bronze medal in Tokyo.
A Competitive Field
As the Olympics loom closer, Team USA is set to face a highly competitive field in the round-robin stage. Opponents include Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion in 3x3 basketball, recently secured third place at the 2023 World Cup, underscoring the formidable challenge that lies ahead for Team USA.
The competition format is designed to bring out the best in each team. The top two teams from the group will advance directly to the semi-finals, while teams finishing between third and sixth place will contest in the quarterfinals. The exhilarating medal round is scheduled for August 5, promising a display of intense competition and high stakes.
Unique Dynamics of 3x3 Basketball
3x3 basketball presents a distinct set of dynamics compared to the traditional 5-on-5 game. Played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, the format demands quick decision-making and relentless action. Field goals are worth either one point or two points if shot from beyond the arc. Unlike in conventional basketball, there's no inbounds pass after a made basket. The game begins with a coin toss to determine which team starts on offense or defense, and possession changes hands after each made basket. Players need to take the ball outside the arc before attempting a shot after a change in possession. A team wins by being the first to score 21 points or by having the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, the first team to score two points in overtime clinches the victory.
As the U.S. team prepares for the upcoming Paris Olympics, Fredette's journey from a celebrated college star to a pioneering leader in 3x3 basketball underscores his adaptability and relentless drive. With the American contingent ready to compete at the highest level, all eyes will be on Fredette and his teammates as they aim for Olympic glory under the vibrant lights of Paris.