Jeremiah Fears: Lu Dort | Brother | NBA | Age | College | Draft Pick

Jeremiah Fears has quickly become one of the most talked-about young guards in basketball — from his college breakout to becoming an NBA lottery pick. In this article, we unpack his background, family ties (including the popular mention of Lu Dort comparisons), his journey through high school and college, and what made him a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Who Is Jeremiah Fears?

Jeremiah Fears (born October 14, 2006) is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the NBA. Standing at 6′3″ and around 190 pounds, Fears plays as both a point guard and shooting guard. He was selected 7th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft after just one season of college basketball at Oklahoma.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Fears grew up in a competitive basketball environment. From early on, he showcased the scoring ability, ball-handling, and playmaking skills that would later define his rise as a top NBA prospect.

Family and Basketball Roots

Basketball Bloodlines

Basketball runs in the Fears family. His father, Jeremy Fears Sr., played Division I basketball at both Ohio University and Bradley University, later playing professionally in Europe.

Sibling Success

Jeremiah isn’t the only hoop talent in the family. His older brother, Jeremy Fears Jr., is a standout point guard at Michigan State University, ranking among the top assist leaders in the Big Ten during his collegiate career. His leadership and court vision make him an influential figure in Jeremiah’s development.

The youngest brother, Jamarri Fears, is also carving a path in basketball as a promising high school point guard in the class of 2027.

Jeremiah Fears and Lu Dort: Is There a Connection?

One common question among fans is whether Jeremiah Fears has any relation to Lu Dort — the gritty forward known for his defensive lockdown play in the NBA. The truth: there is no known documented familial relationship between Jeremiah Fears and Lu Dort. The two share no public family ties, and any comparisons are based on playing style discussions rather than blood relation.

However, the comparison sometimes stems from their shared Illinois basketball roots and reputation for tough, high-motor play — characteristics admired in both players.

Early Life and High School Journey

Jeremiah’s basketball journey began at Joliet West High School in Illinois, where he played alongside his brother Jeremy Jr. There, he began attracting attention for his scoring instincts and competitive nature on the court.

Seeking greater competition and exposure, Fears transferred to Arizona Compass Prep in Chandler, Arizona, for his junior year. This move helped elevate him to four-star status and solidify his standing in the ESPN Top 100 rankings before heading to college.

Despite being originally slated to graduate high school in 2025, Fears reclassified early to enroll at Oklahoma a year ahead of schedule — a bold move that paid dividends.

College Career at Oklahoma

Freshman Breakout Season

In his lone college season (2024–25) with the Oklahoma Sooners, Fears immediately became the team’s lead backcourt option, starting in most games and displaying maturity beyond his years. He averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, showcasing scoring versatility and playmaking ability.

Those numbers — combined with his relentless competitiveness and court vision — earned him SEC All-Freshman Team honors.

Playing Style and Strengths

Fears’ game is defined by slashing ability, fearless decision-making, and a knack for getting to the free-throw line. His shot creation off pick-and-roll situations, ability to draw fouls, and scoring instincts made him a dangerous threat at the collegiate level.

Defense and perimeter shooting were areas scouts noted for improvement — but his overall upside and age advantage made him highly coveted.

NBA Draft: Sixth to Seventh Overall Pick

In 2025, after just one collegiate season, Fears declared for the NBA Draft, forgoing his remaining eligibility. His decision was fueled by strong performances throughout the season and projections that he would be a lottery pick — a forecast that came true.

On June 25, 2025, Fears was selected 7th overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the NBA Draft — a monumental achievement that cemented his status as one of the nation’s top young basketball talents.

This draft position marked him as one of the earliest Oklahoma draft picks in recent history, joining names like Trae Young, Buddy Hield, and Blake Griffin as high first-round selections from the program.

What Makes Fears a Unique NBA Prospect?

Youth With Elite Potential

One of Fears’ most intriguing traits is his age: he was just 18 years old at the time of the draft and wouldn’t turn 19 until October 2025. That youth, combined with his developed skill set, creates a long runway for growth — something NBA teams covet.

Versatility and Playmaking

Fears’ ability to play both guard spots gives teams flexibility. Whether running the offense or creating his own shot, his basketball IQ and confidence are standout traits that translate well to the NBA level.

Areas to Improve

While Fears’ potential is undeniable, scouts pointed to the need for growth in consistency — especially in spread shooting and defensive discipline. Nevertheless, his quick hands and instincts hint at a high defensive upside with the right development.

Early NBA Career and Expectations

Since joining the Pelicans, anticipation has been high for Fears to contribute immediately. While young players often need time to adjust to the NBA’s pace and physicality, Fears’ competitive fire and skill set position him as a promising future playmaker in the league.

Analysts view him as a player capable of operating as a lead guard or complementing scorers, blending scoring punch with court vision. With the Pelicans invested in his development, Fears could quickly grow into a reliable backcourt piece.

Jeremiah Fears vs. Lu Dort — Player Styles Compared

Lu Dort is best known for his defensive tenacity and two-way toughness at the NBA level. In contrast, Jeremiah Fears is more of a creator and scorer with offensive instincts. While both share Illinois roots and rugged basketball mindsets, their roles and strengths on the court differ:

• Lu Dort: Defensive stopper, physical wing, tough perimeter defender.

• Jeremiah Fears: Offensive initiator, scorer, playmaker with developing defensive chops.

This comparison often arises among fans but is more about style similarities than any direct influence or relation.

Jeremiah Fears Highlights and Notable Performances

Throughout his college season, Fears delivered numerous standout moments:

• 31-point game vs. Missouri showcasing his scoring prowess.

• Consistent contributions against top competition in the SEC.

• Leadership in Oklahoma’s offense, often the primary creator and go-to scorer.

These performances helped cement his case as a lottery pick and future NBA contributor.

FAQs

Q1: How old is Jeremiah Fears?
A: Jeremiah Fears was born on October 14, 2006, making him 18 years old at the time of the 2025 NBA Draft.

Q2: Which college did Jeremiah Fears play for?
A: Fears played his freshman season at the University of Oklahoma.

Q3: Was Jeremiah Fears drafted in the 2025 NBA Draft?
A: Yes. He was selected 7th overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2025 Draft.

Q4: Is Jeremiah Fears related to Lu Dort?
A: No official familial relationship exists between Jeremiah Fears and Lu Dort. Comparisons are stylistic, not genetic.

Q5: Does Jeremiah Fears have brothers in basketball?
A: Yes. His older brother, Jeremy Fears Jr., plays at Michigan State, and his younger brother, Jamarri Fears, is a high school prospect.