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Former NBA 1st-Round Pick Announces Retirement From Basketball

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 1:40 PM ET

Jimmer Fredette, a former college basketball star and NBA lottery pick, announced his retirement on Wednesday.

Fredette, who hasn't appeared in an NBA game in six years, confirmed his retirement from professional basketball 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. "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."

Fredette transformed into a national sensation during his senior year at BYU. The guard received AP Player of the Year honors by averaging 28.9 points per game with 124 three-point makes.

The Milwaukee Bucks selected Fredette ahead of Klay Thompson and Kawhi Leonard with the No. 10 pick of the 2010 NBA Draft. He didn't replicate his college glory, averaging 6.0 points over 241 games.

Fredette bounced around four teams in his first five seasons before going overseas to play in China. He was named the CBA's International MVP with 37.6 points per game in 2016-2017.

Following three seasons with the Shanghai Sharks, Fredette signed with the Phoenix Suns. He played in just six games before going to Greece and returning to the Sharks in 2020.

PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 01: Jimmer Fredette #5 of Team United States reacts after his teams loss during a Men's 3x3 basketball pool round game between the United States and Lithuania on day six of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Esplanade Des Invalides on August 01, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)Elsa/Getty Images

Fredette won gold in the 2022 FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup and represented the United States in the inaugural three-on-three basketball competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics. He suffered an adductor muscle injury early in the tournament, and the short-handed Team USA didn't medal.

"Becoming better at something I wasn’t familiar with gave me a new love for the game," Fredette wrote of playing three-on-three. "I was able to travel all over the world and eventually become the number one team in the world as well as the number one player in the world! And ultimately take us to the Olympics. An incredible opportunity that you only dream of as a kid, and I was living it."

Fredette, 36, ultimately made the difficult decision to end his career.

"It's time to say goodbye to basketball," he wrote. "I have loved every second of my career through the good and the bad! Thank you all for the support throughout the years. Basketball has made me who I am today. Excited for what is next in my life with my family!"

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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