Former BYU star, NBA lottery pick, Olympian Jimmer Fredette retires from basketball

Jimmer Fredette’s basketball journey has been one-of-a-kind. The former BYU sensation turned NBA lottery pick later became a major star in China and ultimately emerged as a top 3×3 player and an Olympian.

Now, at age 36, Fredette is officially calling it a career, announcing his retirement from basketball.

“It’s been amazing, fulfilling, and I really have no complaints,” Fredette shared with NBC Sports this past summer before the Paris Olympics, where he competed with Team USA’s 3×3 squad. “I’ve had such a great run, and it’s shaped me as a person, not just as a player. Traveling the world and experiencing new cultures has truly been special.”

Fredette was the nation’s top scorer in his senior season at BYU, putting up 28.9 points per game while shooting nearly 40% from beyond the arc. He earned the Naismith College Player of the Year honor.

Selected No. 10 overall in the 2011 NBA Draft by Milwaukee, Fredette was sent to the Kings in a draft-night trade. Although he never secured a steady NBA role, he appeared in 241 games over six seasons, posting a 6.0 points per game average.

Fredette’s basketball journey flourished overseas. He starred for the Shanghai Sharks for four seasons, winning MVP honors in 2017 and making three All-Star appearances. He also played a season in Greece with Panathinaikos, helping them secure a league title.

Lately, Fredette has excelled in 3×3 basketball, becoming one of the sport’s elite. He captured gold at the 2022 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup and 2023 Pan American Games, ultimately earning a spot at the Paris Olympics with Team USA.

“It’s been a wild ride,” Fredette told NBC Sports. “The NBA had its highs and lows, a real roller coaster. Then I went to China and had great success, followed by a run in Europe. Ending with 3×3 and making it to the Olympics — that’s been the ultimate dream.”

His career will be remembered fondly by basketball fans everywhere.