How a college scoring sensation became a 3x3 basketball resurgence star
In short: Jimmer Fredette's rise to fame began with a phenomenon known as "Jimmermania." After dominating college basketball and playing six seasons in the NBA, he found a second career in the fast-paced world of 3x3 basketball, proving that professional longevity often requires adapting to entirely new formats.
Fredette's ascent was fueled by an intense, unorthodox training regimen. As a child, he practiced in a pitch-black hallway at a local Mormon church—a drill called "the Gauntlet"—where friends would dart from doorways to knock him off balance. This early training helped him develop the ability to maintain stability against larger defenders, a skill that served him well during his standout years at Brigham Young University (BYU).
During his 2010–11 senior season at BYU, Fredette became a national sensation. Averaging 28.9 points, he topped the nation in scoring and guided the Cougars to the NCAA tournament's "Sweet Sixteen." Such excellence secured him major accolades, notably the Naismith Award and the Wooden Award. His dominance was so pronounced it sparked a cultural moment known as "Jimmermania."
His professional journey was more varied. Selected 10th overall in the 2011 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks (and subsequently traded to the Sacramento Kings), Fredette played six seasons in the NBA for teams including the Kings, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, and Phoenix Suns. After playing internationally for the Shanghai Sharks and Panathinaikos, he transitioned to 3x3 basketball in 2022.
This shift led to a significant resurgence. Fredette secured gold during the 2023 Pan American Games and took silver at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup. After announcing his retirement in April 2025 and serving as the U.S. 3x3 men's basketball program's managing director, he returned to play on the FIBA 3x3 Men's Pro Circuit in 2026.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Jimmer Fredette | College Stats, Height, Draft, BYU, Retirement, & Facts | Britannica
- Also: Jimmer Fredette
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