During the early 2010s, few names resonated with college basketball fans as much as Jimmer Fredette. As a standout player for BYU, Fredette captivated audiences with his scoring prowess, earning him both Naismith and Player of the Year honors during the 2010-11 season. His success on the court led BYU to the Sweet 16 for a second consecutive time, marking a high point in the team’s history.
Fredette's college career was nothing short of spectacular, as he scored a record 2,599 career points, the most in Mountain West history. This remarkable feat led to his selection as the No. 10 overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft. However, despite his collegiate success, Fredette's NBA career was marked by a series of ups and downs. Reflecting on his professional journey, Fredette noted, "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."
After his time in the NBA, Fredette found success playing overseas, yet he continued to seek new challenges. This quest led him to venture into the 3x3 basketball format, a discipline that has rapidly grown in popularity. In this condensed, fast-paced version of basketball, Fredette has thrived, demonstrating his ability to adapt and excel in different playing conditions.
Leading Team USA
Fredette’s journey in 3x3 basketball has culminated in him headlining the U.S. men's team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This event marks only the second time that 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event. Joining Fredette on Team USA are Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry, forming a team poised to compete at the highest level.
Reflecting on the unique demands of the sport, Fredette explained, "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."
A Competitive Field
The road to Paris has been intense for Team USA. Despite their formidable lineup, they previously failed to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games in 3x3 basketball. However, they showed significant improvement and determination, finishing second at the 2024 World Cup behind Serbia. The competition will be fierce, with Team USA set to face off against top teams from Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands in a round-robin format.
Serbia, which holds fourth place on the world leaderboard, will be a formidable opponent, having secured a bronze medal in Tokyo. Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion in 3x3 basketball, also presents a significant challenge, having secured third place at the 2023 World Cup.
The Format and Rules
The structure of 3x3 basketball is designed to keep fans on the edge of their seats. The game is played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, ensuring a fast pace and constant action. Field goals are worth one point, or two points if shot from beyond the arc, and there is no inbounds pass after a made basket. The game begins with a coin toss to determine which team starts on offense or defense.
Possession changes after each made basket, and players must dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before shooting. A team can win 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 after the quarter, the first team to score two points in overtime wins.
Looking Ahead to Paris
Fredette’s experience and skill have been instrumental in guiding Team USA to the Paris Olympics, and his contributions have not gone unnoticed. He was recognized as the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, a testament to his impact on the team and the sport.
The medal round is set for August 5, and Team USA will be aiming to claim their place on the podium. With Fredette leading the charge, fans and supporters eagerly await what promises to be an electrifying competition in Paris. The journey has been long and challenging, but Fredette and his teammates are ready to leave their mark on the Olympic stage.