Jeremiah Fears isn’t just turning heads—he’s flipping draft boards upside down. At just 18 years old, the Oklahoma freshman has already drawn comparisons to NBA All-Star Dejounte Murray, thanks to his dazzling offensive toolkit and fearless on-court mentality.
With a breakout season behind him and the 2025 NBA Draft approaching, Fears has firmly placed himself in the top-tier conversation. And now, scouts and insiders are starting to whisper what fans are beginning to shout: this kid could be special.
Can We Call Jeremiah Fears Dejounte Murray 2.0?
One of the most respected voices in the scouting world, Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report, recently made waves by drawing a bold comparison between Fears and Atlanta Hawks All-Star Murray.
While Murray is known for his lockdown defense, quick handles, and slashing ability, Wasserman sees similar traits in the freshman’s growing game. According to his analysis, Fears checks many boxes that NBA teams covet in a modern-day combo guard.
In his latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft, Wasserman listed VJ Edgecombe among the top options after projected No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg and Rutgers’ phenom Ace Bailey. In that same breakdown, he casually slipped in a critique that also revealed a lot about how scouts are viewing Fears at this point in the process. Wasserman wrote:
“Every team’s tier behind Flagg and Harper will include VJ Edgecombe. Front offices that value his 100th percentile explosiveness, shotmaking and defensive quickness could slot him at No. 3, particularly if they question Ace Bailey’s handle and tunnel vision, Tre Johnson’s lack of rim pressure and Jeremiah Fears’ shooting.”
While it’s not glowing praise, it’s still a sign that Fears is firmly in the mix among elite names in the draft. And if the only real question mark is his jump shot—something many guards polish over time—then his future is looking bright.
Projected to New Orleans?
According to College Sports Network’s (CSN) most recent two-round 2025 NBA Mock Draft, Fears is projected to go in the top 10. Specifically, he’s expected to land with the New Orleans Pelicans, a team in desperate need of youthful firepower in the backcourt. Their veteran-heavy guard rotation has underwhelmed in recent seasons, and Fears’ arrival would mark a turning point for the franchise’s long-term plan.
“New Orleans needs to infuse their backcourt with youth,” CSN noted. “Fears’ speed and slashing would introduce a different dimension to the Pelicans as they aim to stay relevant and in playoff contention.”
It’s a move that makes sense. With experienced players like CJ McCollum and Jose Alvarado likely to mentor him, Fears could grow into the role gradually, learning the ropes while still showing flashes of brilliance.
Fears isn’t new to the spotlight. Born and raised in Joliet, Illinois, he’s been playing on big stages since his early teens. His decision to skip his senior year of high school and reclassify to join the Sooners early raised eyebrows, but Fears didn’t blink. He walked into Norman like he owned the place, and by the end of the season, he practically did.
In his freshman campaign, Fears averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Whether it was slicing through defenses with his quick first step or hitting clutch shots late in games, he played like a seasoned veteran. His confidence? Unshakable. His swagger? All-natural.
Coaches and teammates raved about his work ethic and maturity. “He never backed down,” one anonymous Big 12 coach reportedly said. “You forget he’s just a freshman until you look at the roster.”
Built for the Modern NBA
Fears’ game is tailor-made for today’s fast-paced league. He’s lightning-quick off the dribble, has excellent court vision, and thrives in transition. He’s equally comfortable creating his own shot or setting up teammates—traits that have NBA scouts salivating.
Yes, his 3-point shooting needs a little love (he shot around 30% from deep last season). However, there’s plenty of reason to believe he’ll get there. His mechanics are solid, and he’s already shown flashes of pull-up range. Plus, his touch around the rim and in the midrange is advanced for his age.
KEEP READING: Jeremiah Fears NBA Draft Projections: 5 Potential Landing Spots for the Oklahoma’s Guard
On the defensive end, Fears brings intensity and quick feet. He’s not quite a lockdown defender yet, but the tools are there. Combine that with his court IQ and natural feel for the game, and you have a player with the potential to grow into a two-way menace, just like Murray.
The thing that separates Fears from other prospects isn’t just his talent—it’s his attitude. He plays every game with purpose and passion, and he’s never afraid of the moment. It’s the kind of mentality that gets you noticed in the NBA, where only the toughest survive.
He’s not the flashiest name in the 2025 draft class, but ask around and you’ll hear the same thing: Fears is the real deal. And if he keeps on this path, it won’t be long before he’s not just compared to All-Stars—he’ll be selected for the team himself.
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