In a career marked by remarkable achievements and notable transitions, Jimmer Fredette has secured a new accolade: the USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year in 2023. Fredette's journey, which began with capturing the Naismith College Player of the Year award at BYU, has now led him to play a pivotal role in qualifying Team USA for the 2024 Olympics.
Fredette's path has been far from linear. After leading his team to back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances, he was selected as the 10th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft. Reflecting on his NBA experience, Fredette candidly shared, "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."
However, Fredette’s resilience and adaptability have been crucial in his transition to the 3x3 format of the game. "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 said. The 3x3 variant of basketball, which features a half-court setup and a rapid 12-second shot clock, demands a different skill set and mindset than the traditional five-on-five game. Field goals are worth one point, while shots beyond the arc score two points, and the ball changes possession after every basket.
"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. This volatile nature of 3x3 basketball demands not only physical prowess but also mental resilience and strategic acumen.
Fredette's efforts have already borne fruit, as he and his teammates—Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry—secured Team USA's place in the 2024 Olympics. This will be the second time 3x3 basketball features as an official Olympic event. In the upcoming competition, Team USA will face tough contenders like Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands in pool play. The format dictates that the top two teams automatically advance to the semi-finals, while the third to sixth-placed teams compete in the quarterfinals for a coveted spot in the final four. The medal round is set to take place on August 5.
In recent performances, Team USA showed significant promise by finishing second behind Serbia at the 2024 World Cup. Serbia, which clinched the bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics, is ranked fourth globally and remains a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, Latvia, the reigning Olympic Champion, showcased their competitiveness by placing third at the 2023 World Cup.
Fredette’s influence on and off the court underscores his importance to Team USA's aspirations. His determination and leadership have been instrumental in navigating the team through the rigorous qualification rounds and preparing for the stiff competition ahead. As Team USA aims for gold, Fredette’s experience and tenacity will be pivotal.
While the Americans did not make the cut for the 2020 Tokyo games, the upcoming Olympics provide a fresh opportunity for redemption. With the dynamic roster in place and the strategic insights from their seasoned leader, Fredette, Team USA is poised to put up a strong fight in Paris.
The journey of Jimmer Fredette continues to be one of transformation and perseverance. Whether leading a college team to Sweet 16 appearances, navigating the complex world of the NBA, or adapting to the fast-paced realm of 3x3 basketball, Fredette has constantly reinvented himself. His story is a testament to the spirit of persistence and the belief in seizing new opportunities.