Jeremiah Fears has been in the gym for much of the offseason, and the seventh pick is eager to help the New Orleans Pelicans during the upcoming 2025-26 campaign.
Fears was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team last season at Oklahoma, averaging 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.6 steals on 43.4% shooting from the field. He ranked seventh in the conference in scoring and seventh among all freshmen in the country.
The 18-year-old spent countless hours on the court in preparation for the season. It got to the point that team president Joe Dumars had to limit his time at the practice facility because he was there so much. But that work ethic isn’t new for Fears.
“I’ve kind of been like that since I was younger, being able to go to the gym and clear my head and work out 3-4 times a day and just continuing to try to get better,” Fears said Tuesday. “It helps a lot. It is one of those things that being able to go to the gym helps you in all aspects of your game.”
Fears debuted with the Pelicans in the NBA Summer League, averaging 17.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.4 steals on 40% shooting from the field in five appearances. He finished off his stay in the desert with a 22-point, seven-rebound effort on July 18.
The 6-foot-4 guard established himself as one of the top guards in the SEC because of his offensive skill set and ability to get to the free-throw line. He has worked to sharpen those traits, along with some other areas of his game, over the summer.
“I think my body looks a lot different than when I first came,” Fears said. “I still have a ways to go, but I’m going to continue to work on that. My shot, I’ve been shooting with (Jordan) Poole. (He) has been giving me some tips and details and stuff like that. Then, the pick-and-roll aspect and the defensive aspect.”
Fears had the opportunity to work extensively over the summer with several players, including Poole, who was acquired in a trade from the Washington Wizards. The time spent in the gym has helped him learn the team’s concepts and plays that he’ll run in the backcourt.
Pelicans coach Willie Green is challenging Fears to be a vocal leader on the court as a point guard, something that he is comfortable with. With training camp opening on Wednesday, Fears is ready to do what it takes to accomplish his season-long goals.
“Being able to help the team win,” Fears said. “That is, obviously, the first thing. Helping us get back to the playoffs and eventually advancing in the playoffs. Then, winning Rookie of the Year, as well.”