Both on and off the basketball court, veteran player Jimmer Fredette's life is characterized by constant motion. Following a remarkable journey through college, the NBA, Greece, and China, Fredette has returned to America to spend precious time with his three children - Wesley (7), Taft (5), and Greyson (2). This summer, Fredette and his young family will head to Paris, where he is set to compete on Team USA's debut 3x3 basketball team.
"The entire family is joining for the trip, which may get a little chaotic," Fredette reveals. Yet, he also understands how special this venture is, "The kids are absolutely thrilled about this unique opportunity. It's not every day you get the chance to experience something this exceptional."
Unsurprisingly, family plays a significant role in Fredette's life, influencing not just his personal space but his professional endeavors too. Alongside him in Paris will be his wife's parents - their presence turning the Parisian adventure into a little family-focused 3x3 tournament of sorts. He appreciates this setting stating that, "It's great to have the grandparents there, especially since it means each child gets a dedicated adult."
More than ten years into his professional basketball career, primarily playing traditional 5x5 games, Fredette began focusing on 3x3 basketball in 2022. His aim is to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games, representing the first appearance of the 3x3 event. In pursuit of this goal, Fredette has taken part in competitions around the globe, including Chile, France, China, and Kosovo for the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.
While his travel and training routine is demanding, Fredette finds ways to connect to his family. Virtual calls and technology keep him connected to his loved ones. He admits, "Explaining my absences to the kids isn't always straightforward. But I assure them they can FaceTime me any moment - it helps them feel my presence."
Moreover, Fredette takes a proactive approach to help his kids understand his professional commitments. He lets them know they can reach out for any reason, ensuring that whilst he might physically be on the other side of the world, he is always there for them in the familial and emotional sense.
The professional athlete is not just about the game, though. Fredette actively involves himself in community service like the Fredette Family Foundation, focusing on assisting families in need. Fredette's foundation also runs campaigns against childhood bullying, a cause particularly close to his heart.
"My aim is to practice what I profess," Fredette admits. By setting himself as an example, he hopes his children will learn to be gracious individuals who are inclusive and respectful towards others. Fredette believes in active communication and inclusivity, values he endeavors to instill in his children.
His wife, he says, adds significantly to this pursuit. "My wife is incredibly kind to everyone she meets, always making others feel valued and recognized. This has influenced our children too, which is evident when you see our daughter graciously complimenting strangers - mimicking her mother’s gracious behavior."
On the court, Fredette's past decade in basketball has seen a significant shift in its nature. Moving his focus to the 3x3 variant of the sport, he hopes to present Team USA at the 2024 Olympics, should the new event make its debut then.
Navigating global competitions for a chance to participate in this potential Olympic event, Fredette ventured to distinct countries, from South America's Chile to the European nations of France and Kosovo, and the Asian country of China.
The challenges of this new sport have done little to dampen his spirit. Despite his international endeavors requiring frequent travel, missing his loved ones during training and tournaments, Fredette has found a way to balance his professional and personal commitments.
His tactics include extensive video calls with his family between games and training sessions, ensuring he can stay connected despite the distance. Even during stressful and demanding periods in his sports career, Fredette maintains communication with his family as a priority.
Alongside his basketball career, Fredette's commitment to helping his community through his family foundation serves as an inspiration for his own children. By demonstrating such generosity, Fredette hopes to incorporate lessons of kindness and inclusivity in his children from an early age.
The efforts undertaken by the Fredette Family Foundation aim to support families struggling with various challenges and create a safer environment for children by combating bullying. This charitable side reflects Fredette's commitment to combining his sports career with a greater social cause.
Charitable work not only provides support to those in need but also imparts valuable lessons to his children. Through example, Fredette illustrates how one person's kindness can create ripples of positivity.
Notably, Fredette's wife is an exemplar of the values they aspire to inculcate in their kids. Through her everyday interactions, she displays kindness and generosity, influencing her children and motivating them to do the same.
As Fredette's basketball journey expands to include 3x3 games alongside his family in Paris and the rest of the world, he continues to be a role model, not only for his children but also for many around the globe.