Latest news with #JimmerFredette
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
BYU legend makes major announcement about future plans
Jimmer Fredette isn't just rewriting his own story—he's looking to reshape an entire sport. On a recent appearance on The Today Show, the former BYU sensation shared his excitement about taking on a powerful new role: managing director of USA Men's 3x3 basketball. His mission? Simple, but ambitious. 'We're trying to bring some more notoriety to the 3x3 game here in the U.S.,' Fredette said. 'I'm excited to be a part of it… and be able to hopefully win something in LA.' Fredette's journey from Provo legend to international basketball ambassador is well-documented. In 2011, he was the NCAA's National Player of the Year, averaging 28.9 points per game while electrifying Cougar Nation. Now, at 36, he's pivoting from scorer to strategist, tasked with building the coaching staff and player pool for a sport still carving out its American identity. Advertisement After retiring from professional basketball in April, Fredette's appointment came swiftly—but not surprisingly. USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley praised him as a 'beloved athlete on the halfcourt' and a 'natural fit' for this pioneering role. Fredette's competitive resume includes gold medals from the 2023 Pan American Games and 2022 AmeriCup, and a stint on the U.S. team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The U.S. men's 3x3 team fell short in Paris, missing the podium after Fredette suffered a tournament-ending injury. That loss still stings—but it's fueling his vision for 2028. 'I'm determined to help build a sustainable program for years to come,' he said. His leadership marks the first time USA Basketball has named a dedicated figurehead to oversee the 3x3 men's national program. Related: BYU sparks major buzz with another addition through the transfer portal Fredette's BYU days were legendary—but his next act might just be his most impactful. Cougar fans, take notice: Jimmer isn't done winning. He's just moved to a new court. Advertisement Related: Getting to know Xavion Staton: BYU's 7-foot shot-blocking sensation Related: BYU Basketball players are turning heads for unexpected choice
NBC Sports
08-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Jimmer Fredette talks new USA Basketball role, retirement, Olympic 3x3 change he'd like to see
Jimmer Fredette announced both his retirement from basketball and his new role in the sport — USA Basketball men's 3x3 national team managing director — last month. Fredette recently discussed both moves as he ventures into the administrative side of the sport. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity: OlympicTalk: When did you know you were ready to retire? Fredette: My original plan was play the Paris Olympics, hopefully medal, and then be able to ride off into the sunset, right? Of course, what happened — getting injured right in the beginning of the Olympics and not being able to compete the full time — was definitely difficult. I had a long rehab ahead of me. I knew it was going to be an eight-, nine-month rehab. As I was going through it, I wasn't playing basketball, but I was just kind of preparing to kind of get back into shape. As I thought about it, I was like, man, I kind of don't love the grind anymore. I don't love being out there and trying to work out and be in the gym every single day like I had been. For me, that was a big sign, because I loved that throughout my career. That was my favorite part was the grind of it, was the practicing, was the getting better. That's what made me the player that I was. So when I had that type of feeling, I was like, I don't want to force it, it's probably a good sign. Then decided to make it official. It just felt like the right time. Now being home with the three kids, and being the dad and doing all those things has been really rewarding. OlympicTalk: If you could change one thing about Olympic 3x3 basketball, what would it be? Fredette: I would have, in our case of what happened in Paris, if someone does get injured, that you would be able to sub a guy in so that they could still have four players. That's one of the biggest things that we've talked about, just because it's such a difficult and unfair advantage to have four versus three players when you're going through the Olympic process. I get it completely (why they don't have it). There's costs involved. There's stuff that goes on, but a general FIBA 3x3 event is only two days, and you only play five games if you win it. You can play with three guys and get away with it. Whereas the Olympics, you're playing seven days and 10 games (if you get to the final). It's just a way longer period. It's a way different time frame than we normally do, so if someone does go down with a rolled ankle or whatever happens, I feel like you should be able to have at least one person that's an alternate that can sub in, and then that's it, just one time, and then it's over with. OlympicTalk: Would you like to see a U.S. Olympic Trials type event for 3x3? Fredette: It's fun to watch trials, right? People like to get familiar with the players before the Olympics. I think we can do some type of form of that, but it's a little interesting. With 3x3, you're not just going through and being like, all right, I'm going to pick this guy, this guy, this guy, and they're just going to come together, and then I pick the team, and then it's over. These guys are going to be playing a lot for the next three to four years. It'd be fun to have, maybe, a tournament or a trials or something like that, where you could see the collection of players together that we would be able to at least showcase — this is who is in the pool. These are the guys that have been playing for the last two to three years that care about the sport, that have gotten better. They're playing professionally, and now you get to see them and know who they are. It wouldn't be like the final pick or anything like that for me, because it would be a whole long process, right? From that perspective, you can have a bad tournament, but still be on the team, because you have had a whole body of work. But I think it would be fun to be able to do that in a capacity where the USA would be able to see it. OlympicTalk: For the first two Olympics in 3x3, eligibility rules made it difficult for NBA players to participate — they needed to have competed in 3x3 events outside of the Olympics. Would you like to see those rules relaxed to make it more accommodating for NBA players? Fredette: I think it would be great for the sport somewhat. But I also do love the fact that it's (currently) kind of like a true Olympic story, where these guys are going through for years, and some of them have had other jobs, or do other things or play in other leagues, and then they play 3x3 as well professionally. It's fun to see guys that have been homegrown, that have been doing 3x3 for so long, to be able to get rewarded and play in the Olympics at the end. I think it would be good from a marketing standpoint. Obviously, if you had some of the top NBA players that aren't on the 5x5 team, maybe come and play 3x3. From a branding perspective, obviously, people would watch and be aware of that. But I do like the idea of guys that are kind of homegrown and playing professionally being able to get their shine as well. OlympicTalk: The 3x3 World Cup is next month. Are you selecting that team so early in your USA Basketball tenure, and if so, how is that looking? Fredette: For sure, I'll still pick that team, but our USA Basketball player pool is pretty small right now. That was intentional, because we had myself and all of my team were kind of playing through the Olympics, and that's who they kind of put their money into, and all that stuff. There were other guys playing, obviously, but not necessarily through USA Basketball. So coming into 2025 we knew we were going to have a little bit of a smaller pool, but we still have a really good team that's out there playing in Team Miami on the FIBA World Tour, which is the team I played for. One of the guys, Dylan Travis, was on the Olympic team. He's still playing on that team. Then some other guys that were alternates and have been playing professionally for a while. So we have some really good guys to play at the World Cup and to build. My opportunity is to now try to find more guys as we move forward for the next several years. These guys that are playing now will continue to be in that mix, obviously, and be able to help us as we push forward and then integrating some new players and some new talent. So by the 2026 World Cup, and all the things that we have coming up, we'll be able to have more players in our pool. Aidan Berg,
Reuters
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Jimmer Fredette appointed head of U.S. 3x3 men's basketball
Jimmer Fredette will lead the United States' men's 3x3 basketball team, responsible for identifying the coaching staff and players ahead of major international competitions, USA Basketball announced Thursday. The former No. 1-ranked 3x3 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 3x3 late in his career. "When I got the call from USA Basketball about playing 3x3, 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. 3x3 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 3x3 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 3x3 Men's AmeriCup as well as a silver medal at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 Men's World Cup. He was a member of the first U.S. 3x3 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. 3x3 basketball will return to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. "Jimmer brought his legendary shooting style to 3x3 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 3x3 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
Hamilton Spectator
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Jimmer Fredette hired by USA Basketball as men's 3x3 managing director
Jimmer Fredette's hopes for an Olympic medal were dashed last year by injury. He'll try again to lead USA Basketball to a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Only this time, he won't be playing. Fredette was announced Monday as the first managing director of USA Basketball's 3x3 men's national team, the same role that Grant Hill has with the senior men's national team. Fredette — the former NBA lottery pick and 2011 AP college player of the year who retired as a player last week — will essentially oversee the selection of players and coaches for major international competitions such as the FIBA World Cup, FIBA AmeriCup, the Pan American Games and ultimately the Olympics. 'It's an unbelievable honor to be a managing director at USA Basketball,' Fredette said. 'There's not a whole lot of bigger titles than that in the sport. To be able do something meaningful in the sport, to help build a program and hopefully do it the right way, it's an unbelievable opportunity.' Fredette didn't know much about the 3x3 game — a fast-paced style played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, games going to 21 points and capped at 10 minutes, baskets worth one and two points — when he was asked to consider playing for the U.S. for the first time about three years ago. He eventually became the top-ranked 3x3 player in FIBA's world rankings. 'Jimmer brought his legendary shooting style to 3x3 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 3x3 men's national team program on the road to Los Angeles.' USA Basketball plans to proceed with the same structure for the 3x3 women's national team program. It is in the process of identifying a managing director, with plans to announce that person's hiring later this year. 'Jimmer Fredette is the ideal former athlete and leader to continue to build the USA 3x3 men's program into the premier program in the world,' said retired Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chair of USA Basketball's board of directors. Fredette was USA Basketball's 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year in 2023, won gold medals at the 2023 Pan American Games and 2022 FIBA 3x3 Men's AmeriCup, and made the roster for the Paris Olympics. The 3x3 game, he said, came at the right time for his life as a player. He wanted more time with his family in Colorado and passed on opportunities to continue playing the 5-on-5 game internationally, turning to the 3x3 game instead because it rarely took him away from home for more than a few days at a time. He accepted this offer in part because he wants to thank USA Basketball for that opportunity. 'I definitely can see myself doing this and being a part of this,' Fredette said. 'The people treated me so well, and I love all the people involved. I just want to be able to give back and help as much as I can.' ___ AP NBA:
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jimmer Fredette hired by USA Basketball as men's 3x3 managing director
Jimmer Fredette's hopes for an Olympic medal were dashed last year by injury. He'll try again to lead USA Basketball to a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Only this time, he won't be playing. Fredette was announced Monday as the first managing director of USA Basketball's 3x3 men's national team, the same role that Grant Hill has with the senior men's national team. Fredette — the former NBA lottery pick and 2011 AP college player of the year who retired as a player last week — will essentially oversee the selection of players and coaches for major international competitions such as the FIBA World Cup, FIBA AmeriCup, the Pan American Games and ultimately the Olympics. 'It's an unbelievable honor to be a managing director at USA Basketball,' Fredette said. 'There's not a whole lot of bigger titles than that in the sport. To be able do something meaningful in the sport, to help build a program and hopefully do it the right way, it's an unbelievable opportunity.' Fredette didn't know much about the 3x3 game — a fast-paced style played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, games going to 21 points and capped at 10 minutes, baskets worth one and two points — when he was asked to consider playing for the U.S. for the first time about three years ago. He eventually became the top-ranked 3x3 player in FIBA's world rankings. 'Jimmer brought his legendary shooting style to 3x3 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 3x3 men's national team program on the road to Los Angeles.' USA Basketball plans to proceed with the same structure for the 3x3 women's national team program. It is in the process of identifying a managing director, with plans to announce that person's hiring later this year. 'Jimmer Fredette is the ideal former athlete and leader to continue to build the USA 3x3 men's program into the premier program in the world,' said retired Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chair of USA Basketball's board of directors. Fredette was USA Basketball's 3x3 Male Athlete of the Year in 2023, won gold medals at the 2023 Pan American Games and 2022 FIBA 3x3 Men's AmeriCup, and made the roster for the Paris Olympics. The 3x3 game, he said, came at the right time for his life as a player. He wanted more time with his family in Colorado and passed on opportunities to continue playing the 5-on-5 game internationally, turning to the 3x3 game instead because it rarely took him away from home for more than a few days at a time. He accepted this offer in part because he wants to thank USA Basketball for that opportunity. 'I definitely can see myself doing this and being a part of this,' Fredette said. 'The people treated me so well, and I love all the people involved. I just want to be able to give back and help as much as I can.' ___ AP NBA: Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press
