Thirteen years after his days as a college basketball phenomenon, the former BYU standout is realizing a dream in Paris.
A college basketball phenomenon 13 years ago, Jimmer Fredette is realizing his Olympic dream as a three-on-three player in Paris. he never could have imagined comes Jimmer Fredette, taking another turn in a basketball life that has become a twisting, nomadic adventure. The logo on his gray sweatsuit says “USA Basketball,” but the news conference into which he walks is for three-on-three, a pinballing, 10-minute version of the game played outdoors, here under a circus tent top.
The players have abandoned any distant NBA dreams they might have held. They do not live the “Dream Team” life. The travel is grueling — to remote locales, often sleeping two to a room, sometimes with beds almost next to each other. No one in three-on-three can make a pass to the opposite corner of the court. The shot clock’s too short; the defenders are too quick. No one dares to even look — except Fredette.Even more surprising is Fredette’s defense. NBA executives always said he was too slow defensively, but with fewer players on the court and none of the rotation help that comes in the five-on-five game, Fredette has become a top defender.
“You never know where life will take you,” he said. “I’ve had awesome times in my career, and I’ve had tough times in my career, much like many people in their lives, whether it’s athletes or someone else. The biggest thing for me is that once one door closes, another one opens and being able to go all the way in on that door.
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