Fredette's Journey: From College Stardom to 3x3 Basketball
Jimmer Fredette has experienced a remarkable basketball career, from his glory days at BYU, where he captured the Naismith College Player of the Year award, to the high-pressure arenas of international 3x3 basketball. Fredette's journey has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but his relentless drive and passion for the game have always been apparent.
From College Triumphs to NBA Challenges
Fredette's path to prominence began at Brigham Young University, where he led his team to back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances, earning him widespread acclaim. His collegiate success culminated in being the 10th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft. However, his NBA career didn't translate to the same level of success he enjoyed in college. "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," Fredette reflects.
Despite the challenges in the NBA, Fredette never lost his passion for the game. He transitioned to international play and various leagues, eventually finding a new avenue in the evolving sport of 3x3 basketball.
Embracing 3x3 Basketball
Fredette's shift to 3x3 basketball has revitalized his career. Named the USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year in 2023, he played an instrumental role in qualifying Team USA for the 2024 Olympics. This is a significant accomplishment, especially following the Americans' failure to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo games. Fredette is joined by teammates Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry in this exciting journey.
3x3 basketball, which will be an official Olympic event for the second time in the summer of 2024, is markedly different from traditional five-on-five play. The game is played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, and field goals are worth one point, while shots beyond the arc earn two points. Possession changes hands after each basket, regardless of make or miss. The first team to reach 21 points, or the team with the most points after a single 10-minute quarter, wins the game. If the game is tied, the first team to score two points in overtime wins.
"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," Fredette explains.
Road to the Olympics
The competition won't be easy, as Team USA will face tough opponents during pool play, including Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The top two teams in the group automatically advance to the semi-finals, while the teams that place third to sixth compete in the quarter-finals for a spot in the final four. The medal round is slated for August 5.
At the 2024 World Cup, Team USA finished second behind Serbia, a country that is ranked fourth globally after clinching the bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics. Latvia, the reigning Olympic Champion, placed third at the 2023 World Cup. These formidable opponents will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge for Fredette and his teammates as they aim for Olympic glory.
Perseverance and Resilience
Fredette's journey exemplifies perseverance and resilience. After the unpredictable nature of his NBA career, he embraced new opportunities and continued to push himself. "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 states.
As Fredette prepares for the upcoming Olympics, the basketball community will be watching closely. His story is a testament to the idea that with dedication and passion, new paths and achievements can always be found, even when previous doors have closed. The world of 3x3 basketball has found a new star, and the Olympics offer the perfect stage for Fredette to showcase his talent and drive once more.