Jeremiah Fears is the 4th Oklahoma player to be selected in the top 10 of the NBA draft in the last 20 years
BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The Oklahoma Sooners have added another prestigious chapter to their basketball legacy.
In a moment of triumph for both player and program, Jeremiah Fears, the explosive scoring guard and projected lottery talent, was officially selected in the Top 10 of the 2025 NBA Draft, making him the 4th Oklahoma player in the last 20 years to achieve that elite distinction.
Fears, who lit up college basketball with his electrifying shot-making and court command, now joins a short but star-studded list of Sooners to earn top-10 NBA draft honors — a group that includes:
- Blake Griffin – No. 1 overall pick in 2009
- Buddy Hield – No. 6 overall in 2016
- Trae Young – No. 5 overall in 2018
- Jeremiah Fears – Top 10 in 2025
“This is a dream come true,” Fears said moments after his name was called. “To go from Norman to the NBA stage — I’m just blessed. I’m thankful to my family, coaches, and Sooner Nation.”
Originally from Joliet, Illinois, Fears committed to the Sooners as a five-star recruit and immediately made his mark as one of the most dynamic freshmen in the country. Known for his dazzling handle, deep shooting range, and two-way motor, Fears averaged:
- 18.7 PPG
- 5.2 APG
- 2.1 SPG
- 42.3% from three-point range
His fearless play style and relentless work ethic quickly made him a fan favorite in Norman and a projected lottery pick by midseason.
With Fears’ selection, Oklahoma reaffirms its quiet but potent reputation as a pipeline for NBA-ready guards — especially in the modern era of fast-paced, perimeter-oriented basketball.
Here’s a look at the elite company he joins:
🏀 Blake Griffin – 2009, No. 1 overall
- 6x NBA All-Star
- NBA Rookie of the Year
- One of college basketball’s most dominant bigs of the 2000s
🏀 Buddy Hield – 2016, No. 6 overall
- Wooden Award Winner
- One of the NBA’s top three-point shooters
- Current NBA veteran and leader for Golden State Warriors
🏀 Trae Young – 2018, No. 5 overall
- 2x NBA All-Star
- NBA Assist Leader
- Franchise cornerstone for the Atlanta Hawks
Now, Jeremiah Fears adds his name to that elite lineage — the next Oklahoma-bred baller with the spotlight on him.
“When you look at what Trae and Buddy did, it’s inspiring,” Fears said. “I want to carve my own lane now.”
Fears’ game fits seamlessly into the modern NBA. At 6-foot-3 with a 6’7″ wingspan, he combines elite shot creation with defensive versatility — a rare blend at the guard position. Scouts raved about his ability to:
- Create off the dribble in isolation
- Shoot from NBA range with confidence
- Defend multiple guard spots
- Lead with maturity beyond his years
“He’s the most polished guard in the class,” one NBA executive said. “He’s going to play winning basketball from Day One.”
Fears’ top-10 selection is a major recruiting boost for head coach Porter Moser and the Sooners. Despite recent tournament inconsistencies, the development of Fears — and his high-profile draft night moment — will resonate with elite high school guards nationally.
“This is what we build toward,” Coach Moser said. “Jeremiah is everything you want in a player — hungry, humble, and elite.”
The Sooners are also expected to return to national relevance in the 2025–26 season with a deep and talented roster — and Fears’ draft success only raises the program’s profile.
Sooner Nation erupted with pride on social media:
- Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung):
“Another one‼️ Congrats JF — go do work bro!! 💯 #SoonerForLife” - Buddy Hield (@buddyhield):
“Welcome to the league, young buck! Big things ahead 🔥” - OU Athletics (@OU_MBBall):
“From Lloyd Noble Center to the NBA Draft stage. Jeremiah Fears is HIM. 🔴⚪ #BoomerSooner”
Jeremiah Fears is expected to debut in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas next month. Early projections place him as a potential Rookie of the Year candidate, particularly if he lands in a system that allows him to run the offense early.
Multiple analysts believe he has All-Star upside within three seasons, especially with the spacing and pace of today’s NBA game.
“He’s got that alpha mentality,” said ESPN’s Jay Bilas. “And he’s just scratching the surface.”
Jeremiah Fears is more than a draft pick — he’s the continuation of a legacy and the beginning of a new era. His rise from a top recruit to a top-10 pick showcases not only his talent but the enduring relevance of Oklahoma Basketball on the national stage.
From Buddy to Trae, from Blake to now Fears — the Sooners continue to shape stars.
And this newest Sooner may just be the brightest yet.
