Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper are the two most coveted prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft, but Jeremiah Fears is entering the conversation as well.
The freshman at Oklahoma is having a sensational first year of college basketball, currently averaging 18.1 points and with 4.5 assists and 2.2 steals per game.
While he is the youngest American prospect in this class aside from Flagg, he is also one of the most productive. Fears currently has the highest usage rate of any freshman in college basketball, per Bart Torvik, and it has led so such incredible success.
Here is more from Jonathan Wasserman on why Fears is now projected at No. 4 overall to the Charlotte Hornets in his latest mock draft (via Bleacher Report):
“Jeremiah Fears just moves differently with the ball. He’s been highly convincing with the way he’s able to create advantages, particularly in the half court using quick-dribble moves, burst and explosiveness around the basket.
There are questions about his shooting and decision-making for a projected lead guard, but Fears doesn’t turn 19 until next October. He’ll earn a semi-pass from scouts for the inconsistency and turnovers. At his age, with how dangerous he is off the dribble, his 15 threes through 12 games, strong mid-range pull-up and floater and 31.4 assist percentage should highlight enough shotmaking and playmaking capability to bet on long term.”
Already with some wild highlights under his belt, he is providing positive impact on both sides of the ball.
JEREMIAH FEARS: His gutsy 4-point play helped Oklahoma stay undefeated
Wasserman compared Fears to Russell Westbrook and Jaden Ivey as his NBA comparisons.
Fears can score at multiple levels from the floor, currently shooting 67.7 percent at the rim and 45.7 percent from midrange. He is a tremendously valuable defensive playmaker as well.
It is unlikely a player like him will have to wait long to hear his name called on draft night.
Meanwhile, for more prospect coverage, here is our latest NBA mock draft at For The Win.
