Basketball player Jimmer Fredette, who competed in the Olympics in a 3x3 format, announces his retirement: 'I am eternally thankful'
With a heavy heart, basketball icon Jimmer Fredette, who lit up courts from Glens Falls NY to the world stage, officially calls it quits after a illustrious 14-year career.
On Wednesday, the 36-year-old take to social media to share the news, reflecting on the game that took him on an incredible journey: from his roots at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he led the nation with 28.9 points per game and won the consensus national player of the year, to becoming an NBA lottery pick, playing professionally in China, Greece, and competing for Team USA at the Olympics.
"Basketball has been my life, shaping me into the man I am today," wrote Fredette, who got his first taste of the game alongside his brother, shooting hoops outside. That simple passion led him to become the No. 10 pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2011 NBA Draft, a dream come true for the small-town kid from New York.
His NBA career took him from Sacramento to Chicago, New Orleans, New York, and Phoenix, but it was his final years, dedicated to 3x3 basketball, that gave him his most cherished memories. Fredette was a key part of the Americans' gold medal-winning teams at the 2022 FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup, the 2023 Pan American Games, and the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he represented the United States in the men's 3x3 competition, marking a significant milestone late in his career.
These achievements, earned on the world's biggest stages, cemented Fredette's legacy as a 3x3 basketball pioneer. His dedication and impact on the game helped elevate the profile of Team USA internationally, earning gold and silver medals at major FIBA 3x3 tournaments throughout his tenure.
In April 2025, Fredette officially hung up his hoop sneakers for good. Reflecting on his love for the game and the unforgettable memories and moments, he wrote, "Though it's not easy to say goodbye as a player, the time has come. My next journey starts now." Despite his retirement, Fredette's influence on the sport and his proud heritage as an American 3x3 basketball icon will live on.
- Jimmer Fredette, the NBA lottery pick who led Brigham Young University (BYU) in scoring and won the consensus national player of the year, was hooked on basketball from an early age, playing alongside his brother and eventually becoming the No. 10 pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2011 NBA Draft.
- Over the course of his 14-year career, Fredette played professionally in various leagues, including the NBA, China, and Greece, and competed for Team USA at the Olympics.
- Toward the end of his career, Fredette found his most cherished memories in 3x3 basketball, earning gold medals with Team USA at the 2022 FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup, the 2023 Pan American Games, and the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
- These achievements solidified Jimmer Fredette's legacy as a pioneer in 3x3 basketball, elevating the profile of Team USA internationally and earning gold and silver medals at major FIBA 3x3 tournaments.
- In April 2025, Jimmer Fredette officially retired from basketball, dedicating his next journey to the memories and moments he cherished on the court as an American 3x3 basketball icon.
