It was 2011. The basketball world discovered an incredible scorer during March Madness. A certain Jimmer Fredetteauthor of 52 points against New Mexico.
The BYU guard was promised a great NBA career and Jimmermania set the United States ablaze when he led his team to the Sweet 16. Drafted by the Bucks in 10th position, he was traded to the Kings in the process. In Sacramento, sales of his jersey caused the franchise's merchandising to explode. But the sequel would, alas, be unremarkable, and Jimmer Fredette would never make it in the NBA.
“I think I was a little ahead of my time” he confides. “I was shooting from very far away, and that wasn't yet fashionable in the NBA. From the moment I wasn't given the green light to do it, 50% of my qualities were taken away from me.”
In China with Guerschon Yabusele!
Having been bounced from franchise to franchise before throwing in the towel, he then went through the G-League, China (with Guerschon Yabusele!) and Greece. He even took part in the Basketball Tournament, the million-dollar tournament… But it was just when we thought he was in early retirement that Jimmer Fredette resurfaced in the American jersey. The field had changed, and the sport was no longer quite the same: 3X3.
“My brain is always evaluating which player might be good at this sport”says Fran Fraschilla, an adviser to the United States Basketball Federation. “I knew Jimmer still had some game left and was competitive, so I took a chance.”
The former BYU idol accepts and gets involved in the game, even the Games.
“As soon as I heard ‘Olympics,’ I was all in! I saw it as the chance of a lifetime.” says Jimmer Fredette. The latter did not benefit from any special treatment, and while the Federation had concocted a light program for him, the former Kings rearguard asked to play the 12 tournaments scheduled on the calendar.
Double clutch during the World Tour
“I'm all in on this project. I have to learn.” he had answered. Because 3×3 has its own rules with a 12-second clock, a score to reach, the possibility of touching the attacker in defense…
Author of two winning baskets in the semi-final and then in the final of the stage in Japan, he fully deserved his selection, and according to his brother, the Paris Olympics undoubtedly represent the greatest moment of his career.
“He is so happy to represent the United States”concludes TJ Fredette. You will never find someone who loves the Olympics more than him and to be able to go there at the end of his career makes it even more unique. That's why it could be the pinnacle of his career.”
