Oklahoma freshman Jeremiah Fears told ESPN on Wednesday that he will forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2025 NBA draft.
Fears was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team, averaging 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.6 steals on 43.4% shooting from the field in 34 games. He ranked seventh in the conference in scoring and seventh among all freshmen in the country.
The 6-foot-4 guard started off the year hot, becoming the first Sooners freshman since Trae Young to score in double figures in each of his first 15 games. He finished as one of three Power Four players to average at least 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and 1.5 steals.
Oklahoma freshman Jeremiah Fears is entering the 2025 NBA draft and forgoing his remaining college eligibility, he tells ESPN. The SEC all-freshman guard is the No. 7 prospect in ESPN's NBA draft projections.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 2, 2025
Fears wasn't on the NBA radar much to begin the season, but he eventually established himself as one of the top guards in the conference, with his speed, scoring and ability to create for himself. He has a quick burst that enables him to blow past defenders.
The 18-year-old dazzled throughout the year by getting into the paint and finishing at the rim. He used that ability, plus his shiftiness, to get to the free-throw line often, ranking 10th among all players in the country in free-throw makes (183).
Fears will be able to improve his draft positioning in private workouts and the draft combine on May 11-18 in Chicago, Illinois. He is looking to become the first Oklahoma player drafted since Young in 2018.
The 2025 NBA draft will occur June 25-26 in New York City.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: NBA rumors: Jeremiah Fears announces decision on basketball future
