The Pan American Games in Santiago have proven to be a success on all fronts for the US. The 3×3 Basketball division of Team USA is shining brightly as both the men’s team and the women’s team won gold medals. While this has highly boosted the confidence of all players, a former Chicago Bulls player actually ended up issuing a challenge to GOAT Michael Jordan.

Jimmer Fredette is a 34-year-old 3×3 basketball star who previously played for the Chicago Bulls. The offensive specialist played a pivotal role in Team USA’s gold medal victory in Santiago. A recent social media post captured the US stars after their massive clean sweep tournament victory in a fun interview. However, things took quite a turn when Fredette issued a challenge to NBA and Chicago Bulls legend, His Airness Michael Jordan.

Jimmer Fredette names Michael Jordan as a 1v1 opponent

Team USA cruised through the Pan American Games with their staunch skills. Both the men’s and the women’s teams stomped the competition while registering an unbeaten campaign to claim the gold medals. The official Instagram accounts of USA 3×3 Basketball and Team USA took to Instagram to record a fun session with its newly crowned champs after their win. The video showcased an interviewer questioning the champs about the person they’d like to face, active or not, in a 1v1 match.

Answering her question, Fredette said, “I’d probably have to go with Michael Jordan. I mean, the best of all time, right? If you have a chance to play against the best of all time, even if he beats you by a lot, it doesn’t matter. You’d still get to say that you played against one of the best ever.” 

While Fredette couldn’t cement himself in the NBA, he is certainly walking the Michael Jordan path in 3×3 basketball. He led the offensive charge of the team on his shoulders and always posted big numbers on the scoreboard. While Michael Jordan did receive GOAT treatment by one of America’s best, he wasn’t the only legend to get a shout-out. In fact, one of Fredette’s teammates named Black Mamba Kobe Bryant as his opponent.

Kobe Bryant gets heartfelt shoutout from LA Lakers fan

Michael Jordan was also named by another USA baller, Dylan Travis, who said that Jordan was his favorite. Among the Michael Jordan fans, USA’s Kareem Maddox named Kobe Bryant as his dream opponent. Maddox stated that he is from Los Angeles and has always loved Bryant more than anyone. In fact, he also stated that while stats may paint another picture, the Black Mamba is the real goat for him.

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The discussion over who the real GOAT is can add many more names to the list. However, Team USA has established itself as the undisputed 3×3 Basketball GOATs at the Pan Am Games.

Their 2023 win successfully defended their inaugural 2022 championship title from the previous Pan American Games. Now, Jimmer Fredette and company would like to strengthen their foundation to hit the upcoming Olympics with equal force. Will America be able to win the 3×3 basketball gold medals in Paris as well?

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