Fran Fraschilla’s Impact on USA Basketball’s 3×3 Olympic Team

Former St. John’s coach Fran Fraschilla plays pivotal role in USA Basketball’s 3×3 Olympic team

As the United States men gear up for their debut in the Olympic Games 3×3 basketball competition, all eyes are on Fran Fraschilla, the Senior Advisor to the program who played a crucial role in assembling the team. Despite not being the coach or selector, Fraschilla’s influence was instrumental in convincing former NBA star Jimmer Fredette to join the squad.

Fraschilla, an ESPN college basketball analyst and former St. John’s coach, first connected with Fredette during a chance meeting in China in 2016. Fast forward to 2022, when Fredette announced his retirement from basketball after a successful career, he was persuaded by Fraschilla to give 3×3 a shot. With Fraschilla’s persuasion and guidance, Fredette committed to the team and helped them secure a spot in the Paris Olympics.

The team, consisting of Fredette, Canyon Barry, Kareem Maddox, and Dylan Travis, was carefully selected based on their commitment to the sport and participation in FIBA 3×3 events. Coached by Joe Lewandowski and James Fraschilla, the team is geared up to compete in the physically demanding 3×3 format where players make substitution decisions themselves.

Fraschilla’s impact on the 3×3 program dates back to the 2019 World Cup, where the USA team dominated but fell short of automatic qualification. Fraschilla was then appointed as head coach for the men’s entry on the FIBA World Tour, leading them to the world No. 1 ranking and securing a spot in the Olympic competition.

The 3×3 format, with its fast-paced and high-intensity gameplay, is seen as a player development tool by Fraschilla. He envisions the sport growing in popularity similar to beach volleyball, with its entertaining and engaging style of play. With Fraschilla’s guidance and Fredette’s leadership, the USA team is poised to make a mark in the Olympic 3×3 basketball competition.