Jeremiah Fears Bio
Jeremiah Fears (born October 14, 2006) is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Oklahoma Sooners. Fears was selected seventh overall by the Pelicans in the 2025 NBA draft.
Early Life and Background
Jeremiah Fears was born in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in a family with a strong basketball background; his father, Jeremy Fears Sr., played college basketball at Ohio and earned accolades in the Mid-American Conference. Fears has an older brother, Jeremy Fears Jr., who plays college basketball for Michigan State. This environment fostered his early interest in the sport, leading him to play basketball at Joliet West High School in Joliet, Illinois, where he began to develop his skills alongside his brother.
Path to Basketball
Fears played basketball at Joliet West High School as a sophomore before transferring to Arizona Compass Prep for his junior year. During his time at Arizona Compass Prep, he averaged a team-high 14.2 points per game, showcasing his potential as a dynamic scorer and effective ball handler. His performance made him a consensus four-star recruit and a top-25 guard in the 2025 ESPN 100. Initially, he committed to Illinois but later decommitted and chose to play for the Oklahoma Sooners, reclassifying into the 2024 class.
Jeremiah Fears Career
Early Career (2024–2025)
Fears made his debut for the Oklahoma Sooners on November 4, 2024, where he recorded 16 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals off the bench. He quickly became a key player for the Sooners, leading them to an upset win over No. 24 Arizona in the Battle 4 Atlantis, where he averaged 18.7 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.7 steals during the tournament. His outstanding performance earned him all-tournament team honors and recognition as the SEC Freshman of the Week.
Breakthrough (2025)
Fears’ breakthrough moment came during the 2024–25 season when he showcased his scoring ability and playmaking skills. Notably, he scored a career-high 30 points against No. 24 Michigan, becoming the first Oklahoma true freshman since Trae Young to achieve such a feat. His consistent performances throughout the season led to multiple Freshman of the Week awards and recognition as a midseason finalist for the Wooden Award. Following a successful college career, Fears declared for the 2025 NBA draft.
Notable Works and Milestones
Fears was selected with the seventh overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2025 NBA draft, becoming Oklahoma’s fourth top-seven pick in the last 16 years. He signed his rookie contract on July 5, 2025, and made his NBA regular season debut on October 22, 2025, scoring 17 points against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Jeremiah Fears Award Nominations
Throughout his early career, Jeremiah Fears has received several nominations, including recognition as a midseason finalist for the Wooden Award during his time at Oklahoma.
Jeremiah Fears Awards Won
Jeremiah Fears was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2025, highlighting his impressive performance during his freshman year at Oklahoma.
Jeremiah Fears Family
Jeremiah Fears comes from a family with a strong basketball lineage. His father, Jeremy Fears Sr., played college basketball, and his brother, Jeremy Fears Jr., is currently playing for Michigan State.
Personal Life
Details about Jeremiah Fears’ personal life are limited, but it is known that he was born in Chicago, Illinois, and has a close relationship with his family, particularly in relation to their shared passion for basketball.
