New Orleans Pelicans Select Jeremiah Fears
In a significant move during the 2025 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans have chosen Jeremiah Fears, a standout guard from the University of Oklahoma, with the seventh overall pick. This selection highlights Fears’ impressive collegiate journey, where he transitioned from a top-25 recruit to an impactful player, ultimately earning a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team.
Fears’ Impressive Collegiate Performance
In the 2024 season, he made a mark by averaging 17.1 points, alongside 4.1 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, an accomplishment that speaks volumes about his potential and versatility on the court.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, Fears began his freshman year in a supporting role before taking charge as a starter in the last 31 games, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion. His shooting stats reflect a mix of promise and areas for improvement, as he achieved a shooting percentage of 43% from the field and an impressive 85% from the free-throw line, ranking second in the SEC with 183 free throws made on 251 attempts.
However, his three-point shooting leaves room for growth, as he hit only 28% of his attempts from beyond the arc. Despite this, Fears’ scoring strength shone through particularly in clutch moments, where he averaged 22.3 points in his final nine games with the Sooners.
Scout and Executive Analysis
Analysis of Fears’ game reveals a dual narrative among scouts and executives. While some express enthusiasm for his potential to evolve into an elite player with leadership capabilities similar to that of former Alabama star Collin Sexton, others harbor reservations about his size and overall skill set.
The skepticism primarily revolves around how players like Fears, who are shorter and primarily ball-handlers, often face challenges finding their place as impacting starters. Critics point to the narrow margin for success in the NBA for guards with his profile, cautioning that his path to stardom demands flawless development.
Conversely, several analysts see great promise in Fears, likening his play style to that of notable guards like Ja Morant, emphasizing his capacity to drive to the basket and potential to improve his shooting. A Western Conference executive praised his “it” factor and competency in fast-paced play, suggesting Fears could rank among the top three players from this draft class once his shooting consistency catches up.
Looking Ahead
As he prepares to make this pivotal leap from college to the professional ranks, Fears’ innate talent and competitive spirit are evident, leaving observers eager to see how he translates his skills to the NBA level. However, the consensus remains that he will need time to refine his game before he can become a central contributor on a winning team.
His ongoing journey symbolizes the potential inherent in young athletes, and many are watching closely to see how he develops in the coming years, with expectations set as high as a future All-Star appearance by the time he reaches 21.
