Jimmer Fredette is calling it a career.
The sharpshooter who was a college basketball sensation at Brigham Young before becoming an international star and representing Team USA at the Olympics announced his retirement Wednesday on social media.
“Basketball has taken me all around this world: from Glens Falls NY, to BYU, the NBA, China, Greece, and even Team USA at the Olympics!” Fredette wrote on Instagram. “This game and my love for it has shaped me into the person I am today and for that I am forever grateful. So many memories and amazing moments. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it! The next journey starts now.”
After two successful seasons at BYU, Fredette burst onto the national scene in 2009-10 when he led the Cougars to their first NCAA Tournament win in 17 years. With his popularity growing, Fredette returned to Provo for his senior season and put together another magical season. He led the country with 28.9 points per game as he torched defenses with his shot-making ability. He guided the Cougars to their first Sweet 16 appearance since 1981. He was named the consensus national player of the year and earned praise from then-President Barack Obama.
“It wasn’t easy from the beginning but my college career turned out better than I could have ever imagined,” Fredette wrote. “From being the nations leading scorer, to 4 NCAA tourney appearances, a sweet sixteen run, and winning National Player of the Year. It was such an incredible life changing experience.”
Fredette was picked 10th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2011 NBA Draft before he was traded to the Sacramento Kings. He played six seasons in the league, spending time with the Kings, Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans and New York Knicks. He played overseas in 2016 but returned to the NBA in 2018-19, playing six games with the Phoenix Suns.
Fredette played professionally in China from 2016-18, becoming a star for the Shanghai Sharks. He was named Chinese Basketball Association MVP in 2017 and scored 73 points in one game.
In 2022, Fredette turned his attention to 3×3 basketball. He was the star for Team USA as he was two-time 3×3 gold medalist and was named the 2023 USA Basketball 3×3 male athlete of the year. He was part of the team at the 2024 Paris Olympics and was the No. 1-ranked 3×3 player in the world, but ligament tears in his adductor ended his Olympic campaign early as Team USA didn’t medal in the event.
“I owe a lot of who I am today to this game and it’s not easy to say goodbye as a player, but the time has come. And I’m excited for what’s next in life,” Fredette wrote. “I know I’ll be better of in my next phase because of this game and I will cherish the memories! It wasn’t always easy but it was always worth it!”
