Jimmer Fredette Tears ligaments of the USA 3×3 basketball team and misses six months
The Netherlands eliminated the underprepared Americans from medal contention.
During a men’s 3×3 basketball pool round match on Friday at the Olympic Games in Paris, Jimmer Fredette of the United States was competing.
PARIS: 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 participate.
In an Instagram message, Fredette stated, “This is devastating for me as I have put two years into qualifying for the Olympics with this group who are my brothers.”
To begin with, I want to express my gratitude for becoming an Olympian and for being a member of Team USA in 3×3 basketball. I am grateful to all of my coaches and the USAB staff for believing in me to assist them reach this point. It was an honor to wear USA on my breast.
In the opening minutes of our second game against Poland, I suffered an injury. I was unable to compete because I fully tore two separate ligaments in my adductor. I’ll need around six months to recuperate from this.
I have spent the last two years working with my brothers to qualify for the Olympics, so this is heartbreaking for me.
We accomplished things that no American team has ever accomplished in that period, going from a nameless squad to the best team in the world this year. On the day I was hurt, I also rose to the top of the global rankings as a player. A really strange coincidence. However, we were eager to win a medal here in Paris and were well-prepared.
I firmly think that everything has a purpose for occurring. And this experience has taught me to relish the trip. You never know what will happen when you arrive where you’re going, but if the journey isn’t enjoyable, it’s not worth it.
I apologize to all of the supporters of our team and myself; I wish things had turned out differently. However, I appreciate your love and support. Through good times and bad, never lose hope or smile.
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.
Fredette declared, “I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason.” And this experience has taught me to relish the trip. If you don’t enjoy the journey there, you are missing the purpose. You never know what will happen after you get at your goal.
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. 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 developing 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.
He apologized to all of the supporters of himself and his team, saying, “I wish things could have turned out differently.” However, I appreciate your love and support. Always be optimistic and grin despite the negative.
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