Jimmer Fredette Sits Out with Injury as U.S. Falls to 0-4 in 3x3 Basketball
PARIS — The U.S. men’s 3x3 basketball team’s struggles continued unabated on Thursday evening when they faced Lithuania in a critical pool game at the 2024 Olympics. With their star player Jimmer Fredette sidelined due to injury, the Americans suffered yet another heart-wrenching defeat, this time by a score of 20-18, marking their fourth consecutive loss in the tournament and leaving them in a precarious position to advance.
A Fateful Introduction
The poignant moment signaling Fredette's absence came during player introductions. The once-dominant scorer limped slowly onto the court, his demeanor a stark contrast to the bravado expected of an Olympic competitor. Seated courtside, he became a mere spectator as the U.S. team fought to keep their Olympic dreams alive. Describing his injury as "game to game," Fredette remained tight-lipped after the loss, further amplifying the sense of uncertainty surrounding his condition.
Fredette initially sustained his leg injury near the end of a closely contested matchup against Poland just a day prior. Throughout that game, trainers attended to his visibly distressed left thigh, but Fredette's determination saw him return to the court before the final buzzer. However, it was clear that he was not moving with the agility nor explosiveness that have defined his game throughout his career.
Teammates Rally, but Hope Diminishes
Post-match, USA Basketball provided little clarity on Fredette's condition, although teammate Kareem Maddox had expressed cautious optimism regarding Fredette’s potential return. “I guarantee you he’ll be playing tomorrow,” Maddox had stated, but those words proved overly hopeful as Fredette remained firmly on the sidelines against Lithuania. Without him, he could only offer strategic input, cheering on teammates who desperately needed his leadership and scoring prowess.
The loss in front of an attentive crowd reflected a grim reality for the U.S. team, which was once heralded as a favorite for Olympic gold. In a Thursday team meeting, frustration and sorrow rippled through the group when they learned that Fredette was unavailable for the evening’s game. Teammate Dylan Travis mentioned an “emotional scene,” noting that they shared tears for Fredette, who had invested immeasurable effort to return to high-level basketball after coming out of retirement.
A Diminished Roster and Opportunities Lost
Fredette’s absence epitomizes a broader struggle for the U.S. 3x3 program, which has seen both the men’s and women’s teams fall short of expectations. While the U.S. women also experienced an early round victory against Spain after a disheartening start, the men's team found themselves reeling without their star player. The absence of Fredette not only diminished team morale but also forced Canyon Barry, Travis, and Maddox to shoulder an overwhelming load—playing every minute without the benefit of substitutions.
Fraschilla, head coach and architect of the team’s formation, had seen Fredette’s commitment to Olympic play as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—a theme reiterated by Fredette himself when he stated enthusiastically, “As soon as I heard ‘Olympics,’ I was like, ‘I'm all in.’”
The Weight of Expectations
The expectation that accompanied Fredette’s return to competitive basketball was palpable. The former BYU star, an object of fan adoration—referred to as "Jimmermania"—returned with hopes of thrilling performances. Unfortunately, the competition has proven relentless, and his contributions have been limited. Initially scoring just four points against Serbia, followed by three points against Poland, it was apparent that Fredette was not the dynamic force fans had anticipated.
As Thursday’s contest unfolded, the team leaned heavily on Barry for playmaking duties. Barry managed to score nine points, yet his missed game-tying three-pointer as time expired echoed the team’s misfortunes throughout the tournament. “I had a clean look,” he reflected somberly after the game. “I honestly thought it was good when it left my hand.”
The Family Dynamic
For Barry and Travis, Fredette’s struggle transcended basketball—his teammates see him not just as a player, but as family. “When one of your family is hurting and down, everyone is down,” Barry stated, underlining the tight-knit bond forged through their shared challenges. “He deserves this more than anyone. He's such a good human being. For him not to be able to compete in the game today after everything that he has put into this, it’s really sad.”
As the U.S. squad faced yet another disappointment against Latvia later that evening, their Olympic journey hangs in the balance. With Fredette's fate uncertain, they must prepare to confront the next challenge, hoping for the possibility of his return even as they navigate the harsh realities of defeat. As the medal chase continues, the team's resilience will be tested, holding on to hope for a brighter tomorrow amidst the looming clouds of adversity.