Jimmer Fredette

James Taft "Jimmer" Fredette is an American former professional basketball player and current basketball executive. Born February 25, 1989, in Glens Falls, New York, he became a national sensation during his college years at BYU, leading the NCAA in scoring as a senior and winning the 2011 National Player of the Year award. Selected 10th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, he played for several NBA teams before finding stardom overseas in China's CBA, where he won the 2017 MVP award.

Fredette reinvented himself in 3x3 basketball, winning gold at the 2023 Pan American Games and representing Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He now serves as managing director of the USA Basketball 3x3 Men's National Team, guiding the program toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. His No. 32 jersey was retired by BYU in February 2026, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in program history. [edit]

Jimmer Fredette grew up in Glens Falls, a small upstate New York town, where his love for basketball developed early. He spent countless hours in the gym perfecting his shooting stroke, often competing against his older brother T.J., who pushed him to improve. At Glens Falls High School, he became the Section II and school all-time leading scorer, finishing sixth on New York's all-time scoring list. ESPN ranked him among the nation's top 75 shooting guards in the class of 2007.

Fredette accepted a scholarship to Brigham Young University, where he played from 2007 to 2011. Over 139 college games, he averaged 18.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, shooting 45.5% from the field and 39.4% from three-point range. His scoring ability blossomed in his senior year, when he led all of NCAA Division I with 28.9 points per game. [edit]

Fredette's senior season at BYU was historic. He scored 52 points against New Mexico in January 2011, a Mountain West Conference record, and followed with 43 points in the NCAA Tournament against Gonzaga, leading the Cougars to the Sweet 16. He swept every major National Player of the Year award and was a consensus First-Team All-American.

In the 2011 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks selected him 10th overall and immediately traded his rights to the Sacramento Kings. He played three seasons in Sacramento, then had brief stints with the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans. After a period in the NBA G League and a short return with the Phoenix Suns, he signed with the Shanghai Sharks of the CBA in 2016. There he became a scoring legend, winning the 2017 CBA MVP and leading the All-Star Game in player value and points. In 2020, he won a championship in the GBL.

In 2022, Fredette transitioned to 3x3 basketball, a faster format that suited his scoring instincts. He won gold at the 2023 Pan American Games and silver at the 2023 World Cup, then earned a spot on Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics. After the Olympics, he was named managing director of the USA Basketball 3x3 Men's National Team, where he now builds the program for LA28. On February 17, 2026, BYU retired his No. 32 jersey during an overtime win over Colorado, and he received additional honors alongside Eric Weddle in January 2026. [edit]

Fredette is known for his pure scoring ability, featuring a quick release and deep three-point range. Media portrayals often highlight his underdog story, from small-town New York to national fame. His social media presence is humble and grateful, sharing career highlights and family moments. He is respected for his adaptability, transitioning from NBA bench player to international star to Olympic athlete. [edit]

The Jimmer fanbase is defined by a unique blend of nostalgic devotion and modern engagement, centering on the cultural phenomenon known as "The Jimmer" rather than a formal collective noun. While no single official name like "Jimmerites" exists, supporters self-identify through his iconic nickname and jersey number 32, creating a community that has evolved from casual observers to active participants in historic ceremonies. This deep connection was most visibly demonstrated during the retirement of his No. 32 jersey on February 17, 2026, an event that transformed the atmosphere at BYU into a celebration of legacy. Fans continue to engage through family-oriented content and interactive projects, such as the collaborative song "Try to Block It" released with his brother T.J., which serves as a musical tribute to his scoring prowess. The legend of Fredette extends beyond college stats to include his Olympic achievements and his role as managing director of the USA Basketball 3x3 Men's National Team, keeping him relevant in global sports conversations. A humorous anecdote involving his son questioning whether his father is the best BYU alumni ever highlights how pervasive this mythology has become, even within his own household. Despite this enduring cultural footprint and high-level interaction with supporters in Glens Falls and online, the iFANN Global Fame Rankings do not yet include him in their published lists. Consequently, there is no current placement for James Taft "Jimmer" Fredette in the Global Top 1,000 or any scope-specific top-tier lists.[edit]

Fredette's nickname "Jimmer" is a family name, and his brother T.J. also played basketball. The two collaborated on a music project, releasing a new song after the jersey retirement. Fredette is a partner at Tandem Ventures, an investment firm. He hosted a youth basketball camp in Glens Falls in July 2026, giving back to his hometown. A fun family moment: his son once declared he didn't think his dad was the best BYU basketball alumni ever, a story that went viral. [edit]

Jimmer married Whitney Wonnacott, whom he met at BYU. She has been his constant supporter, attending games from college through his international career. The couple has at least one son. Jimmer's parents are Al and Kay Fredette, and he grew up with his brother T.J., who played basketball and later collaborated on music with him. [edit]

Jimmer is married to Whitney Fredette, his biggest supporter. His brother T.J. collaborated with him on music. He was honored alongside Utah football legend Eric Weddle in 2026. BYU draft pick A.J. Dybantsa joined Jimmer and Shawn Bradley in Cougars NBA history. [edit]

Jimmer met Whitney Wonnacott while both were students at BYU. They dated through college and married shortly after. Whitney has been a constant presence at his games, from BYU through the NBA, China, and 3x3. As of 2026, they remain married and have at least one son. [edit]

Jimmer Fredette's net worth stems from his NBA contracts, lucrative CBA deals, endorsements, and his current executive role. As the 10th overall pick in 2011, his rookie scale contract started around $2.3 million and grew over his NBA tenure, totaling roughly $10-15 million. In China, he earned $1-3 million per season with the Shanghai Sharks, boosted by his MVP year. His current position as managing director of USA Basketball 3x3 adds a steady salary, and his partnership at Tandem Ventures contributes investment income. iFANN's Editorial Team estimates his net worth at approximately $20 million as of 2026. [edit]

Jimmer Fredette has won numerous awards, including the 2011 National Player of the Year and the 2017 CBA MVP. He also earned gold at the 2023 Pan American Games and silver at the 2023 3x3 World Cup. His No. 32 jersey was retired by BYU in 2026. [edit]