Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears is one of the best freshman in college basketball but not everybody seems to think he is ready to play in the NBA. The ongoing conversation about his draft stock led his father, Jeremy, to stir the pot and create some controversy.
Is it possible that Fears could leave Norman and enter the transfer portal?
At 6-foot-4, 182 pounds, the former four-star recruit is currently averaging 15.5 points on 43.8% shooting, 3.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 28.8 minutes per game. Although he has not had a spotless first year of college basketball, Fears looks like he will be a mid-range maestro with natural feel and shiftiness with the ball in his hands. Teams like the Nets, Bulls and Heat could make him a lottery pick.
Sam Vecenie, a senior writer at The Athletic, disagrees with that evaluation. He posted the following opinion to X during Oklahoma’s blowout loss to Florida on Tuesday:
Think we have hit the point where Jeremiah Fears should be strongly considering a return to college basketball next season. Obviously very young and has a ton of time to improve. But has not been pretty the last 10 or so games and even the early season tape had a lot of flaws.
— @Sam_Vecenie / X
Jeremy Fears, the father of Jeremiah Fears, responded to the public criticism with a cryptic post about the transfer portal. It has since been deleted.
Where should Jeremiah go to college at next year?
— @Jfears5 / X
As could be expected, the college basketball world caught fire. Fears would be one of the most sought-after players in the portal if he was to enter. He could command one of the largest NIL deals in the country for what would essentially amount to a one-year rental.
Except that does not actually appear to be the plan… Jeremy was trolling.
First of all I was just having fun and defending my son 🤣 this has 0 to do with Oklahoma basketball. Hell we absolutely Love the program and coach…if he was to come back it would be to Norman!! I was just having fun with my guy Sam who said Jeremiah could go back to college 😂
— @Jfears5 / X
He was not serious.
Nah it honestly was just a joke to someone who said he should think about staying 1 more year. Kid actually loves it loves it at OU tho. Loves the coaching staff. Great coaches and mentors.
— Jeremy Fears (@Jfears5) February 21, 2025
A return to Oklahoma does not seem to be on the table because the Fears family loves Norman.
I bet. Love it here tho honestly. Coaching Staff some of the best group of guys we ever been around.
— Jeremy Fears (@Jfears5) February 20, 2025
If Jeremiah Fears was to play a sophomore season of college basketball, it would be at Oklahoma.
Haha if we did I could assure you it would be at OU! #Sooners
— Jeremy Fears (@Jfears5) February 21, 2025
However, the focus right now is on the task at hand.
Year has went by so fast but we not done yet.. I really think this team has alot more in them. Really looking forward to playing in march madness
— Jeremy Fears (@Jfears5) February 20, 2025
Meanwhile, as all of this back-and-forth took place on X, Fears announced on Instagram that he has signed with LIFT Sports Management.
That likely indicates the next step for Jeremiah Fears. He is probably turning pro… unless…