Jimmer Fredette, a former NBA player and outstanding college basketball player, suffered a ligament tear while competing for Team USA in the 3×3 Olympics. He announced late on Sunday on social media that he will be out for around six months.
The Americans finished seventh out of eight teams after losing to the Netherlands 21–6 in the tournament’s final group play match.
Fredette said that during his second game in Paris, a defeat to Poland, he tore two ligaments in his adductor. The remainder of the game, he sat on the bench in his uniform but did not play.
“This is devastating for me as I have put two years into qualifying for the Olympics with this group who are my brothers,” Fredette stated on Instagram.
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After losing their opening four games, the Americans defeated China and France to go to the knockout stages if they placed at least sixth.
Of the games played thus far, Fredette’s injury is one of the most severe. Standout Spanish badminton player Carolina Marin was forced to withdraw from a semifinal match due to a knee injury, which also kept her from competing for a medal.
“I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason,” Fredette stated. “And something this has taught me is to enjoy the journey. You never know what can happen once you reach your destination, but if you don’t enjoy getting there — you are missing the point.”
Despite not making it to the Tokyo Games, the United States was regarded as a strong medal contender in Paris. The U.S. 3×3 team lost to Serbia 21–19 in the championship match of the previous year’s 3×3 World Cup, finishing second overall.
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And the International Basketball Federation, which oversees basketball, has named Fredette the best 3×3 player in the world.
The reason Fredette is most well-known is for his prolific scoring at Brigham Young University, where as a senior, he averaged about thirty points per game.
After that, he played in China, the NBA, and development leagues. He has dedicated his efforts in recent years to the developing sport of 3×3 hoops, where rapid shooting, perimeter scoring, and brief bursts of energy are critical.
“I’m sorry to all the fans who supported me and our team as I wish it could have gone differently,” he stated. “But thank you for your support and love. Always keep the faith and smile through the bad.”
