Oklahoma freshman sensation Jeremiah Fears has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, capping off a breakout year that has fans and scouts buzzing. In a move both anticipated and bittersweet, the 6’3” guard made the announcement via a personal video message on Thursday, thanking the Oklahoma coaching staff, his teammates, and the Sooner Nation for their unwavering support throughout the season.
Fears, who arrived in Norman as a four-star recruit, wasted no time making his mark in the NCAA. From opening night, he demonstrated maturity beyond his years, balancing poise with explosiveness. He averaged 16.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game, helping the Sooners exceed preseason expectations and make a strong run in the SEC tournament.
His decision comes after weeks of speculation. Following Oklahoma’s narrow Sweet Sixteen loss, Fears was asked repeatedly whether he’d be back for a sophomore season. He remained quiet—until now.
“This year has been a dream,” Fears said in his announcement. “Wearing that Oklahoma jersey, playing in front of some of the most passionate fans in the country, and learning from Coach Moser and the staff—it’s been unforgettable. But after talking with my family and mentors, I’ve decided to take the next step and declare for the NBA Draft.”
Known for his clutch scoring and fearless drives to the rim, Fears quickly became a fan favorite in Norman. His late-game heroics against Arkansas and his 30-point explosion versus Kentucky turned him into a must-watch player and drew comparisons to NBA guards like Darius Garland and Tyrese Maxey.
Scouts praise his quick first step, court vision, and natural leadership qualities—traits that make him an intriguing first-round prospect. ESPN has him projected as a late lottery pick, with some insiders suggesting he could rise even higher with strong combine workouts.
Despite the excitement surrounding his professional future, Fears’ departure leaves a hole in Oklahoma’s backcourt. Coach Porter Moser is expected to aggressively pursue experienced transfers to fill the void, and fans will watch closely as the program recalibrates.
Still, Fears’ impact on the team—and the season—won’t be forgotten. His rise was a defining storyline in the Sooners’ transition to the SEC, and his name will be etched in the memory of Oklahoma fans for years to come.
The journey continues—but this time, it’s on basketball’s biggest stage.
