Jeremiah Fears is only 18 years old, but that doesn't stop him from being a throwback type of player as he joins the New Orleans Pelicans.
This is how the No. 7 overall pick described his game during an exclusive interview on WWL Radio after he was selected in the 2025 NBA draft.
“My offensive game is just, it’s very unique, something you don’t see nowadays, somebody that can pass, somebody that’s not afraid of the moment," Fears said, "somebody that plays with a ton of confidence and somebody that’s going to make the right play 90% of the time and somebody that’s going to get the team involved and also score the ball.”
Hear the full, exclusive interview with new Pelicans PG Jeremiah Fears in the player above. Can't see the embed? Click here.
Sounds almost like the description you'd give to a Jason Kidd or a Steve Nash, players that don't seem to exist nearly as much in today's NBA game. That doesn't mean they lack importance, and the Pelicans have certainly seemed to be in need of a true point guard option the past few years. The team itself seemed to agree with that, considering their big swing in a trade for point guard DeJounte Murray last offseason.
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Murray is recovering from a major Achilles injury and figures to miss a good chunk of this upcoming season, meaning the young Fears will have to show he can be fearless as he develops at the NBA level. He took a strong step in that direction during his lone season at Oklahoma, landing All-SEC honors and averaging 17 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists as he led the Sooners to the NCAA Tournament.
“There’s definitely more to come. Like I said, keep sharpening my tools, just keep doing the right stuff, listening to my teammates, asking my teammates for advice and just continuing to trust my work," Fears said. "I think that’s what will take me a long way, continue to watch the vets, special players like Kyrie, Curry, Anthony Edwards, guys like that and just continue to build my game and keep elevating my game year by year.”
The Pelicans made another splash later in the draft when they traded up to No. 13 to land Maryland center Derik Queen. They'll pick again at No. 40 in Thursday's second round.
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MORE FROM FEARS
On the experience of getting drafted
“Man, it was super dope. It’s one of those things that you’ll never forget in your life. So just, enjoying the moment, embracing the moment and ready to get to work.”
On season at Oklahoma
“It kind of helped me a lot, just from the aspect of having a coach that believes in you, to have a coach that’s going to put the ball in your hand and kind of let you make the mistakes and be the leader on the floor and I think that kind of went a long way for me as far as experience-wise and super dope and hopefully the same situation here. I’m gonna come in, work my tail off, gain my teammates’ trust and lead my team to wins and we’re gonna take a step in the right direction.”