The year 2010 marked the meteoric rise of Jimmer Fredette, a standout college basketball player at BYU. His dazzling performance during the 2010-11 season earned him the prestigious Naismith and Player of the Year honors. Fredette's scoring prowess culminated in a record-setting 2,599 career points, the highest in Mountain West history, guiding BYU to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive season.
Fredette's professional journey took an intriguing turn when he was drafted No. 10 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft. However, as he candidly reflects, "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." Despite the challenges, Fredette embraced new opportunities, transitioning to a successful career overseas and eventually into the emerging 3x3 basketball format.
From College Stardom to 3x3 Pioneer
Fredette's dedication and resilience in the face of changing circumstances bore fruit. "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 noted. These qualities have propelled him to the forefront of 3x3 basketball, a format recognized for its fast-paced, high-energy gameplay. In 2023, Fredette's outstanding contributions were acknowledged as he was named the USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year.
As the summer of 2024 approaches, Fredette is set to lead the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics. This event marks only the second time 3x3 basketball will feature as an official Olympic event. Team USA's roster, including Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry, boasts considerable talent and depth. The squad's recent performance at the 2024 World Cup, where they finished second behind Serbia, demonstrates their potential and readiness for Olympic competition.
The Road to Paris
The journey to Paris has been demanding. Team USA's failure to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games in 3x3 basketball was a setback, but it fueled their determination. Serbia, fourth on the world leaderboard and bronze medalists in Tokyo, remains a formidable adversary. Additionally, Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion in 3x3 basketball, and third-place finishers at the 2023 World Cup, adds another layer of competition. Team USA will face these powerhouses, along with Poland, Lithuania, France, China, and the Netherlands in a round-robin format.
Fredette encapsulates the unique nature of 3x3 basketball: "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."
Competition Format and Gameplay
The Olympic format for 3x3 basketball is designed for intensity and excitement. Played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, the game emphasizes speed and strategy. Field goals count for one point, or two points if shot from beyond the arc, with no inbounds pass required after a made basket. The game starts with a coin toss, and possession changes after each basket. Players must dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before attempting a shot. Victory is clinched either by being the first to score 21 points or by having the highest score after a single 10-minute quarter. In the event of a tie, the first team to score two points in overtime wins.
The competition's structure ensures every game is crucial. The top two teams from the round-robin phase advance directly to the semi-finals, while the teams finishing between third and sixth place face off in the quarterfinals. The medal rounds are slated for August 5, promising a thrilling culmination of the event.
Fredette's journey, marked by resilience and adaptability, has positioned him and Team USA as strong contenders in the 2024 Paris Olympics. As the team prepares for fierce competition, their determination and skill will be put to the ultimate test on the global stage.