Jeremiah Fears became the center of attention when he was picked seventh overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2025 NBA Draft. At just 18 years old, Fears stood out as one of the youngest and most dynamic prospects in this year’s draft, quickly rising from a promising recruit to a top-10 NBA pick.
His achievement was made even more special thanks to the unwavering support of his older brother, Jeremy Fears Jr., a standout point guard at Michigan State.
Jeremy Fears Jr. Celebrates Jeremiah’s Pelicans Selection
On Wednesday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the joyful news of Jeremiah’s being the 7th pick by the New Orleans Pelicans was announced. It had basketball fans talking with excitement.
Jeremy Fears Jr. was among the first to celebrate his younger brother’s achievement with a heartfelt message: “Yea lil broooo,” showing the genuine pride and bond between the two siblings who have supported each other throughout their basketball journeys.
Yea lil broooo ❤️ https://t.co/Z7UZWztQZY
— Jeremy Fears jr. The Floor General (@jeremy_fears) June 26, 2025
The choice of the draft also signified an outstanding episode in Oklahoma sports history. Jeremiah, from the Sooners, appeared as the 50th all-time player and the 10th first-rounder at the NBA Draft.
In 16 years, he has become the fourth top-seven selection for OU, joining the list of Blake Griffin, the No. 1 pick in 2009, Buddy Hield, the No. 6 pick in 2016, and Trae Young, the No. 5 pick in 2018.
Jeremy has been instrumental in Jeremiah’s development as both a player and a person.
As Jeremiah explained during an NBA Combine interview, “Jeremy helped a lot. He really kind of molded me into the person I am today, the player I am today as well. He was beating me [in basketball] back when I was younger. So, just being able to kind of give him a lot of the credit as well to help shape me into the person I am today.”
Jeremiah Fears on how his older brother, Jeremy (Michigan State), has shaped his game. “He’s made me the player I am today.” pic.twitter.com/qOlRnts5Vz
— Krysten Peek (@krystenpeek) May 15, 2025
The brothers maintain an incredibly close relationship despite playing at different schools.
“Me and Jeremiah, we talk almost every day,” Jeremy shared. “Just, whether about practice, he watches every game I play, I watch every game he plays. And I try to give him points and tips, and he gives me points and tips, but at the end of the day, it’s great seeing him and excited that they got in.”
Jeremiah was an immediate contributor for Oklahoma in his freshman season, playing in 34 games and starting in 31 of them. He averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.
Oklahoma head coach Porter Moser had high praise for his young star, stating: “Our staff is so happy for Jeremiah on this special night. He joined our program last summer as a 17-year-old and was way beyond his years with his dedication, work ethic, humility and willingness to learn. He is an ultra-competitor and is driven to be the best. He has earned this incredible moment and we are elated for him and his family.”
The young guard’s confidence in his abilities was evident when he declared his NBA intentions. “I was lucky to walk into a great situation at Oklahoma with a lot of opportunity,” Fears admitted.
The Fears family’s basketball legacy runs deep. Their father, Jeremy Fears Sr., played professionally overseas for six seasons and at the Division I level at Ohio and Bradley University. This basketball DNA has clearly been passed down to both sons, who continue to chase their dreams at the highest levels of college and professional basketball.
