Jimmer Fredette Ready to Lead Team USA in 3x3 Basketball at Paris Olympics
During the early 2010s, Jimmer Fredette made waves as a star college basketball player at BYU. Now, over a decade later, Fredette is set to headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics in the summer of 2024.
Fredette, who earned Naismith and Player of the Year honors during the 2010-11 season, guided BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive time that year. With a record of 2,599 career points, Fredette became the highest scorer in Mountain West history. His stellar college performance led to his selection as the 10th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft.
However, Fredette’s NBA career was a rollercoaster. "Obviously the NBA career was very up-and-down, but that doesn't just happen to just me," Fredette reflected. "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." With the NBA chapter behind him, Fredette found success playing overseas and later ventured into the 3x3 basketball format.
Team USA's 3x3 basketball journey has seen its share of challenges. The team failed to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games, marking a significant setback. The 2024 Paris Games will be the second time 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event, and this time, Team USA is determined to make a statement.
Joining Fredette on the roster are Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry. The team recently finished second at the 2024 World Cup behind Serbia, who holds fourth place on the world leaderboard and secured bronze in Tokyo. Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion in 3x3 basketball, clinched third place at the 2023 World Cup.
Team USA will compete in a round-robin format against formidable teams including Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The top two teams from the group will advance to the semi-finals, while the teams finishing between third and sixth will face off in the quarterfinals. The medal round is set for August 5.
The unique format of 3x3 basketball offers a fast-paced and intense experience, played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock. Field goals are worth one point, or two points if shot from beyond the arc. Unlike traditional basketball, 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, and possession changes after each made basket. Players need to dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before attempting a shot. A team wins by being the first to score 21 points or by having the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter; if 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," Fredette explained. "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 dedication to the sport has not gone unnoticed. He was named the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year, a testament to his impact and contribution to the team's journey toward the Paris Olympics.
As Team USA prepares to compete against some of the best 3x3 teams in the world, Fredette's leadership and experience will be crucial. The journey to Paris has been long and filled with challenges, but with the determination and skill of Fredette and his teammates, the U.S. aims to claim a spot on the podium and bring home Olympic glory in 3x3 basketball.