Kings top basketball star who later found success in China and with USA Basketball, officially announced his retirement.
“It’s time to say goodbye to basketball,” he shared on X. “I’ve cherished every moment of my career, both the highs and the lows. Thank you to everyone who supported me over the years. Basketball has shaped who I am today. I’m looking forward to the next chapter with my family!”
Veteran star at 36, grew up in Glens Falls, N.Y., and became a national sensation during his four seasons at BYU, where he sparked the phenomenon known as “Jimmermania.” In 2011, he led the Cougars to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament before they fell to Florida in an overtime battle. That same season, Fredette earned National Player of the Year honors.
As a senior, he led all Division I players in scoring, averaging 28.9 points per game while shooting 39.6% from beyond the arc. The All-American guard also contributed 3.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per contest.
Despite his collegiate success, Fredette struggled to establish himself in the NBA. Selected 10th overall in the 2011 draft, he played in 241 games across six seasons for five teams, most notably the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans. He also had brief stints with the Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns, and New York Knicks.
Fredette found greater success overseas, playing four seasons in China and one in Europe. He earned MVP honors in the Chinese Basketball League for the 2016-17 season after averaging 37.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 41.1% from three-point range. In China, he had remarkable performances, including games where he scored 70 and 75 points.
His final chapter in basketball came with USA’s 3×3 team, where he entered the Paris Olympics as the sport’s top-ranked player and a key medal hopeful. However, an adductor injury early in the tournament sidelined him, and with no replacements allowed, the U.S. team ultimately missed out on a medal.
Fredette is now a partner at Tandem Venture Partners, a venture capital firm based in Utah.