Historic Night for Oklahoma: Jeremiah Fears Becomes Fourth Sooners Player Drafted in NBA Top 10 Over the Last 20 Years

It was another landmark moment for the Oklahoma Sooners basketball program as star guard Jeremiah Fears heard his name called among the elite on NBA Draft night. Fears, a dynamic two-way playmaker who captivated college basketball with his electric scoring, court vision, and competitive edge, etched his name into Sooner history by becoming the fourth Oklahoma player in the last two decades to be selected within the top 10 picks of the NBA Draft.

The tradition of Oklahoma producing premier NBA talent has quietly built momentum over the years, and Fears’ selection cements the Sooners as a respected pipeline for future professional stars. His selection not only reflects his individual excellence but also underscores Oklahoma’s evolving reputation on the national stage.

Fears joins an exclusive fraternity of Oklahoma standouts who have made the leap to the NBA’s highest levels. The last 20 years have seen names like Blake Griffin, Trae Young, and Buddy Hield emerge from Norman, Oklahoma, and thrive at basketball’s pinnacle. Now, Jeremiah Fears adds his name to that prestigious lineage, bringing with him the expectations of greatness that come with being a top-10 pick.

Coming into the draft, Fears was widely projected as a lottery selection thanks to his exceptional combination of scoring prowess, defensive intensity, and mature leadership. At 6-foot-4 with a strong frame, quick first step, and smooth shooting stroke, he proved himself a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses during his college career with the Sooners. Beyond the numbers, scouts consistently praised his poise, basketball IQ, and relentless competitiveness—qualities that translate well to the NBA’s high-stakes environment.

The moment his name was announced among the top 10 picks, it marked the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and belief. For Fears, it also represented a continuation of his family’s basketball legacy. His older brother, Jeremy Fears Jr., established himself as a top collegiate player in his own right, and now the younger Fears takes center stage, ready to carve his own path at the professional level.

The magnitude of Fears’ selection isn’t lost on those familiar with Oklahoma basketball. In recent years, the Sooners have increasingly become a breeding ground for high-level prospects. Blake Griffin’s rise to No. 1 overall in the 2009 NBA Draft remains one of the program’s defining moments, while Trae Young’s selection in 2018 further elevated Oklahoma’s modern basketball credibility. Though Buddy Hield narrowly missed the top 10 in his draft year, his stellar collegiate career helped set the foundation for players like Fears to follow.

What separates Fears, however, is his balanced skill set. Unlike some prospects whose game leans heavily on scoring or athleticism, Fears’ versatility makes him a coveted addition for any NBA franchise. His perimeter shooting is already NBA-caliber, with a smooth release and deep range that forces defenders to guard him closely beyond the arc. Inside the paint, his crafty finishing and ability to absorb contact make him effective at getting to the rim, while his mid-range game provides another reliable weapon.

Perhaps most impressive is Fears’ defensive ability. In an era where two-way guards are increasingly valuable, his tenacity on the defensive end sets him apart. His lateral quickness, anticipation, and disciplined footwork make him a disruptive force, capable of guarding multiple positions on the perimeter. It’s that defensive edge, combined with his offensive polish, that makes him such an appealing prospect.

Off the court, Fears is known for his humility and relentless work ethic—traits that have endeared him to coaches, teammates, and fans alike. Throughout his time at Oklahoma, he embodied the values of the Sooners program, demonstrating leadership, accountability, and a team-first mentality. Those intangibles, coupled with his on-court production, made him a clear top-10 pick in the eyes of NBA decision-makers.

Fears’ selection also reflects the broader growth of Oklahoma’s basketball program under head coach Porter Moser. While the Sooners have long been competitive in the Big 12, recent years have seen a renewed focus on player development, elite recruiting, and establishing a culture that prepares athletes for success at the next level. The success stories of Griffin, Young, Hield, and now Fears serve as evidence that Norman is no longer just a football town—it’s a legitimate destination for basketball talent with NBA aspirations.

The excitement surrounding Fears’ future is palpable. Analysts have lauded his readiness to contribute immediately at the professional level, noting his maturity and refined skill set. While the transition to the NBA presents its challenges, Fears possesses the tools—both physical and mental—to navigate those hurdles successfully.

For Oklahoma fans, his draft-night success is both a source of pride and a glimpse into what the future holds. His top-10 selection sends a strong message to recruits, competitors, and the basketball world: Oklahoma is producing NBA talent at an elite level, and the Sooners’ presence in the draft lottery is no coincidence.

Looking ahead, expectations for Fears will be high, but those close to him believe he’s prepared to meet the moment. His journey from a promising high school prospect to collegiate star, and now top-10 NBA draft pick, is a testament to his dedication and the support system surrounding him. His story resonates not only with Oklahoma supporters but with basketball fans who appreciate the hard work and perseverance required to reach the sport’s grandest stages.

In reflecting on Fears’ draft-night achievement, it’s impossible not to recognize the broader implications for Oklahoma basketball. His selection continues a trend of elite Sooners making their mark in the NBA, further enhancing the program’s national profile. As Fears embarks on his professional career, he carries the hopes of Oklahoma fans eager to watch one of their own shine under the bright lights.

For the Sooners, it’s another reminder that their place among college basketball’s elite is well-established. And for Jeremiah Fears, it’s just the beginning of a journey that promises to add new chapters to both his personal legacy and the growing story of Oklahoma basketball’s impact on the NBA.