Jul 30, 2024; Paris, France; United States player Jimmer Fredette (5) reacts in the men’s pool basketball 3×3 game against Serbia during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at La Concorde 1. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-Imagn Images Jimmer Fredette will lead the United States’ men’s 3×3 basketball team, responsible for identifying the coaching staff and players ahead of major international competitions, USA Basketball announced Thursday.
The former No. 1-ranked 3×3 player in the world, Fredette announced his retirement from basketball on April 23.
At BYU, Fredette was named the National Player of the Year in 2011 before playing professionally in the NBA, in Europe and in China. The sharpshooting Fredette transitioned to 3×3 late in his career.
“When I got the call from USA Basketball about playing 3×3, I really didn’t know what to expect,” Fredette, 36, said. “I found out quickly that I loved the competition, energy and style of the sport. 3×3 fits my game and my personality. I made friends throughout my journey who will forever be a part of my life. I also saw an opportunity to be able to grow the sport within the USA.
“When USA Basketball approached me about this role, I jumped at it. I’m determined to help build a sustainable program for years to come and, ultimately, the best 3×3 program in the world. I’m so grateful for the USA Basketball Board of Directors for trusting me with this responsibility and I’m ready for the challenge.”
As a player, Fredette has gold medals from the 2023 Pan American Games and 2022 FIBA 3×3 Men’s AmeriCup as well as a silver medal at the 2023 FIBA 3×3 Men’s World Cup. He was a member of the first U.S. 3×3 men’s Olympic Team at the Paris Olympics in 2024, but an injury in the second game of the tournament knocked him out of the competition and the U.S. failed to medal.
3×3 basketball will return to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
“Jimmer brought his legendary shooting style to 3×3 in 2022 and quickly became one of the most beloved athletes on the halfcourt,” USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley said. “His knowledge of and skill for the game, ability to lead and reputation as one of the game’s best shooters in history puts him in a prime position to become the first person in this role and help shape USA Basketball’s 3×3 men’s national team program on the road to Los Angeles.”
Also Thursday, USA Basketball named retired WNBA great and five-time Olympic champion Sue Bird in the same role for the U.S. women’s basketball team.
–Field Level Media
