Jimmer Fredette hired by USA Basketball as men’s 3×3 managing director

Jimmer Fredettes hopes for an Olympic medal were dashed last year by injury.

Hell try again to lead USA Basketball to a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.Only this time, he wont be playing.Fredette was announced Monday as the first managing director of USA Basketballs 33 mens national team, the same role that Grant Hill has with the senior mens national team.

Fredette the former NBA lottery pick and 2011 AP college player of the year who retired as a player last week will essentially oversee the selection of players and coaches for major international competitions such as the FIBA World Cup, FIBA AmeriCup, the Pan American Games and ultimately the Olympics.Its an unbelievable honor to be a managing director at USA Basketball, Fredette said.

Theres not a whole lot of bigger titles than that in the sport.

To be able do something meaningful in the sport, to help build a program and hopefully do it the right way, its an unbelievable opportunity.Fredette didnt know much about the 33 game a fast-paced style played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, games going to 21 points and capped at 10 minutes, baskets worth one and two points when he was asked to consider playing for the U.S.

for the first time about three years ago.He eventually became the top-ranked 33 player in FIBAs world rankings.Jimmer brought his legendary shooting style to 33 in 2022 and quickly became one of the most beloved athletes on the halfcourt, USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley said.

His knowledge of and skill for the game, ability to lead and reputation as one of the games best shooters in history puts him in a prime position to become the first person in this role and help shape USA Basketballs 33 mens national team program on the road to Los Angeles.USA Basketball plans to proceed with the same structure for the 33 womens national team program.

It is in the process of identifying a managing director, with plans to announce that persons hiring later this year.Jimmer Fredette is the ideal former athlete and leader to continue to build the USA 33 mens program into the premier program in the world, said retired Gen.

Martin Dempsey, the chair of USA Basketballs board of directors.Fredette was USA Basketballs 33 Male Athlete of the Year in 2023, won gold medals at the 2023 Pan American Games and 2022 FIBA 33 Mens AmeriCup, and made the roster for the Paris Olympics.The 33 game, he said, came at the right time for his life as a player.

He wanted more time with his family in Colorado and passed on opportunities to continue playing the 5-on-5 game internationally, turning to the 33 game instead because it rarely took him away from home for more than a few days at a time.He accepted this offer in part because he wants to thank USA Basketball for that opportunity.I definitely can see myself doing this and being a part of this, Fredette said.

The people treated me so well, and I love all the people involved.

I just want to be able to give back and help as much as I can.Want more sports news? Sign up for the Sports Omelette to get all our analysis on Denvers teams..

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