Fredette Wins Phoenix Challenger Title with Team Miami
Jimmer Fredette returned from retirement to lead Team Miami to the Phoenix Challenger title, capping the run with a late-game winner.
Key points
- Jimmer Fredette returned from retirement to win the Phoenix Challenger with Team Miami, defeating Amsterdam 22-16 in the final.
- Fredette finished with eight points, six key assists, and five rebounds in the championship game, hitting the winning shot with 43 seconds left.
- Team Miami qualified for the Macau Masters and secured a $20,000 prize, with Fredette leading the tournament in player value and highlights.
The squeak of sneakers on hardwood cuts through the desert air. Jimmer Fredette, who stepped away from the game in April 2025, stands at the edge of the key, eyes locked on the rim. The Phoenix Challenger court is small, enclosed by chain-link, but the tension stretches wide.
With 43 seconds left in the final against Amsterdam, Fredette catches the ball. He rises, releases, and the net snaps. The score freezes at 22-16. The former BYU star has just delivered the title-winning shot for Team Miami, ending a long absence with a gold medal.
The court welcomes the return
Fredette had not touched a competitive basket since his retirement. He spent the interim as managing director for the U.S. 3x3 Men’s National Team, watching from the sideline rather than playing. His return to Team Miami marked a shift from administration to action, rejoining the FIBA 3x3 World Tour circuit.
The Phoenix Challenger serves as a qualifier for the Macau Masters. Fredette’s first game back against Princeton saw him score three points and grab two rebounds, leading to a 21-14 victory. The rhythm was immediate, the confidence undimmed.
Dominance in the pool play
In the second pool game against Team Phoenix, Fredette added four points and two rebounds in a 21-19 win. Team Miami finished first in their group, advancing to the quarterfinals against London 3x3. The half-court intensity was palpable as Miami controlled the pace.
Fredette scored eight points, shooting 3-for-5 from two-point range, adding two steals and three assists. Miami dismantled London 21-12. The semifinal against Bordeaux saw Fredette contribute four points, one rebound, and four key assists, securing a 21-13 victory to reach the final.
Securing the championship prize
The final against Amsterdam, the world’s fourth-ranked team, started with defensive intensity. Fredette recorded two early blocks, setting the tone. Miami pushed a 14-10 lead and never relinquished control. Fredette finished with eight points, six key assists, and five rebounds.
As reported by the BYU Daily Universe, Fredette topped the tournament in player value, key assists, and highlights. Team Miami qualified for the Macau Masters and collected a $20,000 prize. The return was not just a cameo; it was a championship.
