Jimmer Fredette pens heartfelt message explaining injury at Olympics: 'Tore two different ligaments completely'

Team USA didn’t have nearly the kind of success it had hoped for in the 3×3 basketball portion of the 2024 Paris Olympics Games, with star Jimmer Fredette sidelined by an injury.

Fredette took the time to explain his side of things after the team’s exit in a statement shared by USA Basketball.

“I had an injury that took place in the beginning minute of our second game against Poland,” Jimmer Fredette wrote. “I tore two different ligaments completely in my adductor, which prevented me from being able to compete. This will lead me to have a recovery of around 6 months.

“This is devastating for me as I have put two years into qualifying for the Olympics with this group who are my brothers.”

The United States was already facing an uphill climb in the 3×3 competition before Jimmer Fredette’s injury, having lost an opening-round game to Serbia and then falling to Poland amid Fredette’s injury.

The team never really recovered, something that makes the experience all the more painful for Fredette.

While Team USA wouldn’t go win-less in group play — notching victories over France and China — it would finish in seventh place out of eight, failing to qualify for the next stage of the tournament.

Jimmer Fredette lamented all the hard work that went into preparing for the tournament, only to go to waste thanks to an unfortunate injury at the wrong time.

“We went from a no name team to the number 1 team in the world this year- and did things that no American team has ever done,” Fredette wrote. “I also became the #1 ranked player in the world on the same day I was injured. Pretty crazy coincidence. But we were fully prepared and excited to make a medal run here in Paris.”

The former BYU superstar left some parting thoughts on his legacy with USA Basketball and getting to suit up for Team USA.

“I am so grateful to have been an Olympian and to represent Team USA in 3×3 basketball,” Jimmer Fredette wrote. “Thank you to all my coaches, and the USAB staff that put trust in me to help with getting to this stage. To wear USA across my chest was an honor. …

“I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. And something this has taught me is to enjoy the journey. You never know what can happen once you reach your destination but if you don’t enjoy getting there – you are missing the point.

“I’m sorry to all the fans who supported me and our team as I wish it could have gone differently. But thank you for your support and love. Always keep the faith and smile through the bad.”