Jimmer Fredette to Lead U.S. 3x3 Basketball Team at Paris Olympics
Jimmer Fredette, a name synonymous with college basketball brilliance, is gearing up for a remarkable chapter in his career. The former BYU standout, celebrated for his scoring prowess and accolades, is set to headline the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball team at the Paris Olympics in the summer of 2024.
Fredette's journey from college stardom to Olympic contention has been nothing short of extraordinary. During his time at BYU, he was a force to be reckoned with, earning Naismith and Player of the Year honors in the 2010-11 season. His leadership on the court guided BYU to consecutive Sweet 16 appearances, and his record-breaking 2,599 career points continue to stand as the highest in Mountain West history.
After being selected 10th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft, Fredette's professional career faced its share of highs and lows. Reflecting on his NBA journey, Fredette remarked, "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. 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."
Finding renewed success overseas, Fredette eventually ventured into the 3x3 basketball format. This variant of the game, played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, offers a different kind of thrill and challenge. Fredette's prowess in 3x3 basketball was soon recognized, earning him the 2023 USA Basketball 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year award.
The Paris Olympics will mark the second time 3x3 basketball is recognized as an official Olympic event. Team USA, which failed to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games, is looking to make a significant impact in Paris. The U.S. roster includes Kareem Maddox, Dylan Travis, and Canyon Barry, alongside Fredette.
At the 2024 World Cup, Team USA finished second behind an experienced Serbian team, which holds fourth place on the world leaderboard and secured a bronze in Tokyo. Latvia, the reigning Olympic champion in 3x3 basketball, claimed third place at the 2023 World Cup, highlighting the level of competition awaiting Team USA.
The tournament format involves a round-robin stage where Team USA will face strong contenders such as Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, France, China, and the Netherlands. The top two teams from this group advance directly to the semi-finals, with the teams finishing between third and sixth competing in the quarterfinals. The medal round is scheduled for August 5, promising an intense finish to the event.
The rules of 3x3 basketball add layers of strategy and excitement to the game. A field goal is worth one point, or two points if scored from beyond the arc. There is no inbounds pass after a made basket, and possession changes immediately. The game begins with a coin toss to determine which team starts on offense or defense, and teams must dribble or pass the ball outside the arc before attempting a shot. Victory is claimed 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.
Fredette, reflecting on the unique nature of 3x3 basketball, stated, "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."
His journey from college glory to heading the U.S. 3x3 squad at the Olympics is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. As Team USA strives for Olympic success in Paris, Fredette's experience and leadership will be pivotal in navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead. The world will eagerly watch as Jimmer Fredette and his teammates take to the half-court, aiming for gold in this thrilling and dynamic format of basketball.