Jeremiah Fears reclassified to play college basketball this season and led the Sooners to an NCAA Tournament berth. Despite being one of the younger players in the country, Fears carried Oklahoma’s offense, showcasing his potential primary initiator skillset. Can he overcome some of his physical and defensive limitations to become an NBA star?
Team: Oklahoma
Height: 6’3
Weight: 182
Wingspan: 6’3
Age: 18.7 (October 14, 2006)
Jeremiah Fears — Point Guard, Oklahoma (18.7 years old)
NBA Comparison: Kemba Walker, Collin Sexton
Fears’s star path could resemble Kemba Walker’s, following in the footsteps of another shorter guard with a dizzying handle. He must improve his jumper to reach those heights, but Fears has the explosiveness, shift and passing vision to live on the ball. If he can’t become an All-Star quality talent, he could become a useful player like Sexton who made significant strides as a shooter and decision maker throughout his NBA career.
Strengths
Elite horizontal athlete with the first step, long strides and change of direction to create advantages and pressure the rim at will
Physical driver who embraces context despite lack of height and vertical pop
Strong pick and roll playmaker who manipulates screens with great pace and change of speed
Led all high major freshmen in usage rate yet still managed solid efficiency
Potential for shooting growth due to his 3-point volume, free-throw shooting and touch
Has the speed and instincts to generate turnovers on defense
Weaknesses
Poor finisher at the basket due to size and strength limitations
Can rush his process and decision making on the ball, forcing shots and passes
Motor on defense is inconsistent, doesn’t always chase through screens and rotate off of the ball
Struggles to contain bigger, stronger players on the ball
Hasn’t shot efficiently from beyond the arc thus far despite positive future indicators, defenses will duck under ball screens
Offensive role: Advantage Creator/Pick and Roll Playmaker
Defensive role: Guard defender
2025 NBA Draft Projection: Round 1, Pick 4-7
Every team won’t have Fears high on their board, but rosters needing an infusion of offensive talent will value his skillset. Teams that need to swing on a primary initiator should covet Fears and his potential to become a lead guard at the NBA level. He’ll need to stabilize his jumper, but players who pass, handle and pressure the rim like Fears can are valuable commodities.
