NBA star and Olympian dubbed ‘next Steph Curry’ announces surprise retirement

JIMMER Fredette has announced his retirement from professional basketball aged 36.

The former BYU star was selected at No10 in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, before immediately being traded to the Sacramento Kings.

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Fredette subsequently played for the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns.

The 6ft 2in guard also enjoyed success overseas, becoming a popular figure in China across two spells with the Shanghai Sharks and winning a title in Greece with Panathinaikos.

Last summer, Fredette enjoyed the honor of representing Team USA at the Paris Olympics in the 3v3 basketball event.

The former NCAA scoring champion played one final season with Lebanese squad Sagesse SC before calling it a day.

Announcing his retirement, Fredette wrote on Instagram, “The first time I was outside with my brother shooting baskets and I saw the ball go in I was hooked. I love the repetition, the consistency, and basketball had my heart.

“I played everyday and loved the grind of getting better and had the support of some amazing people through my childhood. It allowed me to excel in high school and earn a scholarship to Brigham Young University.

“It wasn’t easy from the beginning but my college career turned out better than I could have ever imagined.

“From being the nations leading scorer, to 4 NCAA tourney appearances, a sweet sixteen run, and winning National Player of the Year. It was such an incredible life changing experience.

“So much so I was fortunate enough to get drafted number 10 overall in the NBA- and reaching my childhood dream of playing in the league. Little did I know that road would be bumpy. The next 5 years were very up and down.

“I Would play great some games and not so much in others, or even not play. It was tough but I was still determined to make my journey a success.

“From there Shanghai called. Another door opened and I walked through it with the right mindset and determination. During my time in China we made the playoffs every year, I was an all star 3 times, and won MVP.

“It changed the narrative of my career and it was such a positive experience. Even though it was very tough living away from my family for months at a time.”

Fredette then went on to add, “After China I needed a break from 5v5 basketball and took some time off.

“USA basketball called with an opportunity. 3×3 basketball came into my life unexpectedly and I loved the challenge. Becoming better at something I wasn’t familiar with gave me a new love for the game.

“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.

“More importantly besides the success and difficulties, basketball has taught me life long lessons.

“It has taught me how to work hard, be determined, work with others, understand how to battle through disappointment and scrutiny, how to handle success, and how to treat others with respect.

“I owe a lot of who I am today to this game and it’s not easy to say goodbye as a player- But the time has come. And I’m excited for what’s next in life.

“I know I’ll be better of in my next phase because of this game and I will cherish the memories! It wasn’t always easy but it was always worth it! Sign off. Jimmer.”

Fredette, who had been compared with Steph Curry in his younger years, was selected one pick ahead of the Golden State Warriors superstar’s long-time Splash Brother Klay Thompson in the 2011 draft.

The former BYU star was also selected ahead of the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Nikola Vucevic and Jimmy Butler.

Fredette went on to play 241 games in the NBA, shooting 37 per cent from three and averaging six points per game.