RALEIGH, North Carolina — Jeremiah Fears, the 18-year-old guard from Oklahoma, has officially arrived on the college basketball stage as a dynamic player in the NCAA Tournament. Having helped lead the Oklahoma Sooners to their first tournament berth since 2021, Fears showcased his incredible skills during the opening game against UConn on March 21, 2025.
Fears has become an essential part of Oklahoma’s offense, leading the team in points, assists, and steals. He averaged 17 points, 4.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game as a freshman, and even broke into the SEC All-Freshman team. His impressive abilities are not just about putting up numbers; he brings an infectious competitive spirit to the court. According to his teammate, Jacolb Cole, “Every day he brings a competitive fire. He’s trying to cut throats every single day at practice.”
Oklahoma’s head coach Porter Moser has praised Fears’ growth and work ethic. “He’s the one in the gym the most. There’s no one who watches more film on his own.” This dedication has paid off, particularly in the high stakes of the NCAA Tournament. In his first tournament game against UConn, Fears immediately made an impact, scoring 9 points early on and delivering an astounding spin move that wowed fans and commentators alike.
“OOH! A WHIRLING DERVISH FROM JEREMIAH FEARS! HE’S IN THE SPIN ZONE!” exclaimed commentator Ian Eagle during the game. Such moments have not only highlighted his skills, but have also garnered attention ahead of what many project to be a successful NBA career. Fears has quickly climbed the ranks of draft projections, now considered a likely lottery pick.
The road to this point hasn't been without its challenges. Fears originally committed to the University of Illinois but later reclassified from the class of 2026 to join Oklahoma a year early. This bold move has proven beneficial as he has flourished in Moser’s program, incredibly becoming a focal point of the team's aspirations to advance deeper in the tournament after overcoming a tougher-than-expected SEC season.
“There were a lot of older point guards in the SEC, and Jeremiah was up for the challenge,” Moser added, reflecting on how playing against experienced competition has shaped his growth. Fears has faced numerous formidable opponents, but has risen to the occasion, displaying remarkable poise and skill under pressure.
This season, Fears had standout performances, including a season-high 31 points against Missouri and averaging over 22 points in the past eight games leading up to the tournament. “You can tell he’s really worked and learned,” Moser said. “He’s not just a scorer; he’s seeing the floor and making the right plays.”
Despite his rising stardom, Fears remains grounded, attributing much of his tenacity to his family. His older brother, Jeremy, currently plays for Michigan State and has faced his own hurdles after requiring surgery following a shooting incident. “Seeing my brother’s journey has inspired me to work harder and stay humble,” said Fears.
However, on that March evening in Raleigh, Fears and the Sooners faced a tough challenge against UConn. The game was a hard-fought battle, but ultimately the Sooners lost 67-59, ending their tournament run. While Fears left the game disappointed, his performance throughout the season affirmed his potential as he heads towards what many believe is a bright future in the NBA.
Looking ahead, fans and scouts alike will be keeping a close eye on Jeremiah Fears. His journey, still early in the making, promises to bring plenty more exciting moments both on and off the court in the years to come. As he himself stated, it’s all about wanting to grow and be better: “I’m just trying to be the best player I can be.”
