Jeremiah Fears enters NBA Draft as one of the youngest prospects
Former Ohlahoma star Jeremiah Fears chats with Bryan Kalbrosky about being one of the youngest prospects entering the NBA Draft.
Sports Seriously
NORMAN — OU basketball star Jeremiah Fears was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday in Brooklyn.
Fears was the No. 7 overall pick. Fears is the first draft selection of the Porter Moser era and the first Sooners player drafted in the top 10 since Trae Young went No. 5 overall in 2018.
“It means the world to me being able to go out where and show the world what Oklahoma basketball can bring and continuing to take steps in the right direction,” Fears said on ESPN’s NBA Draft broadcast.
Fears heads to the Pelicans after an historic freshman campaign in Norman.
He played in all 34 games (started each of last 31) and averaged team highs of 17.1 points, 4.1 assists and 1.6 steals per contest. Fears also shot 43.4% from the field and ranked second in the SEC in free-throw makes.
New Orleans finished 21-61 last season, but the Pelicans made the playoffs a year earlier.
“I feel like they’ll be a great fit,” Fears told reporters in Brooklyn. “They have some amazing pieces. Obviously just got Jordan Poole, as well, so that will be a great addition. They have Zion (Williamson). He’s a lob threat, somebody that you can get the ball to, somebody that is going to impact the game, all aspects of the game. I bring a lot to the game, as well. It’s going to be super dope.”
Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
Hometown: Joliet, IllinoisAge: 18Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 182 pounds2024-25 stats: 17.1 PPG, 4.1 APG, 1.6 SPG