NORMAN, Okla. — Jeremiah Fears occasionally dazzles on the basketball court, showcasing skills that suggest a promising future in the NBA. However, he also displays the typical learning curves of a freshman who is still acclimating to college life, having reclassified and started early. Despite turning 18 only after his arrival at Oklahoma, the 6-foot-4 point guard maintains a focused outlook, channeling his love for the game instead of being distracted by his age or inexperience. He averages an impressive 15.5 points per game and remains a notable presence in many NBA draft projections.
Fears had an opportunity to bolster his draft prospects while facing off against a seasoned Florida team. During that game, 29 scouts from 19 NBA teams were in attendance. Fears scored 22 points, shooting 7-for-15 and hitting four 3-pointers, although the Sooners suffered their fifth consecutive loss against the second-ranked Gators. Still, Oklahoma head coach Porter Moser expressed optimism about Fears’s performance. “Seeing him physically compete with the Florida players was important, and the confidence he showed is crucial for our team,” Moser remarked, emphasizing how Fears’s play provides a higher baseline for the team.
Fears’s self-assurance partly stems from his rich basketball experience. Last summer, he was part of Team USA, winning a gold medal at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup, where he averaged 6.5 points and contributed significantly on defense with 3.0 steals per game. Then, in the following month, he had an explosive streak, averaging 21.2 points per game while playing for the Indy Heat in the Nike EYBL series. When he joined Oklahoma, he quickly made headlines, scoring 26 points against Arizona, establishing the Sooners on the national stage. He also executed a clutch play against Michigan in the Jumpman Invitational that showcased his ability to deliver under pressure.
Pete Kaffey, Fears’s former coach at AZ Compass Prep, is not surprised by his success. He believes Fears is destined for greatness in the league. “Jeremiah has the innate talent and work ethic to thrive in the NBA,” Kaffey stated. “He’s someone who’s continually developing and striving towards becoming an All-Star.” Fears has been pivotal for Oklahoma during their Southeastern Conference season, contributing significantly to victories over teams like Vanderbilt, Arkansas, and South Carolina.
However, Fears has experienced his share of challenges. He faced rough outings, including a season-low two points on just 1-for-11 shooting against Georgia, and went scoreless in a game against Texas A&M. In a recent home defeat to LSU, Fears struggled with a 5-for-15 shooting performance, complicating Oklahoma’s road to the NCAA Tournament. Even in success, his youth can manifest in less-than-ideal performances; despite scoring 20 points against Texas, he also recorded six turnovers.
Coach Moser noted that such inconsistencies are expected from a player as aggressive as Fears. He commended Fears for his ambition and teamwork, especially considering the level of competition he faces in college basketball compared to others who are just entering the college ranks. “He’s in one of the toughest environments, but he persists and strives to improve, making him a valued teammate,” Moser added.
Fears made the strategic choice to bypass his senior year of high school, guided by the experience of his family—his father played at Ohio and Bradley, and his older brother, Jeremy Fears Jr., is a redshirt freshman at Michigan State. Jeremiah credits his brother for his growth, recalling the competitive spirit they shared while playing together in AAU leagues and practicing against each other. “Training against someone who is always stronger and bigger has been invaluable for my development,” he said.
During his time at AZ Compass Prep, Fears learned the importance of hard work among his elite peers. Kaffey often challenged him to enhance his skills by comparing him to his brother, emphasizing the defensive aspects of Jeremiah’s game that needed improvement. “Those subtle remarks motivated him to raise his game,” Kaffey said. He believes that had Fears remained in high school, AZ Compass Prep could have been a top-rated team. Still, Kaffey prioritized helping Fears pursue his aspirations. “Jeremiah’s dedication to training and discipline reveals he was mature enough to take this step,” he concluded.
