Prodigy is what Jeremiah Fears can only be called! Oklahoma has been on fire this season, still undefeated and absolutely unstoppable. The freshman guard has already been lighting up the courts, averaging 16.7 points in his very first year. But today’s performance? It was up a notch. Fears’ clutch 3-pointer, leading to a four-point play in the final seconds, made headlines, and even the NBA took notice. 

In the matchup against Michigan, Fears finished with 30 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including that game-winning 30-footer with 11.5 seconds left. The Sooners were down by 3 with 30 seconds remaining, but after a turnover, the freshman got free and nailed the shot, drawing a foul in the process. 

The Wolverines had a chance to answer, but Oklahoma’s defense held firm, sealing their unbeaten streak at 11-0 and securing the 87-86 win. His confidence and poise under pressure were off the charts. And the Sooners hit 12 of their 25 3-pointers, while Michigan struggled at just 4-of-28. 

But do you know? Fears wasn’t always destined for Oklahoma. Initially committed to Illinois, he reopened his recruitment earlier this year and ultimately chose the Sooners—a decision that’s already paying dividends. “I love their staff and strength coach,” the baller said in an interview. “Coach [Porter] Moser is a big development guy. I know the SEC will be tough, but I’m ready to work.”

The 6-foot-2 guard from Arizona Compass Prep made the bold choice to reclassify into the 2024 class, and it’s clear he was ready for the leap. Moser, who lost his top three guards from last season, needed someone to step up—and Fears has been that guy. 

“I feel I am ready to take the next step,” the potential first round pick shared. “My goal is to play in the NBA.” Judging by his recent performances, that dream isn’t far-fetched. And the internet is exploding, even NBA star Trae Young couldn’t help but tweet.

Jeremiah Fears shocks Michigan with clutch 3, breaks the Internet 

“Y’all gonna know my young killa name! JEREMIAH FEARS!!! 😤🔐” Young wrote. After reclassifying to join Oklahoma early, Fears seems to be walking in Trae’s footsteps. And getting a nod from the star himself? That’s no small feat. But, obviously, not everyone was ready to crown him. 

One fan said, “Refs won em that game,” taking a shot at the controversial foul call on Fears’ game-winning 3-pointer. Calling a foul on a 3-point attempt is one of the most debated mistakes in basketball. But Michigan fans, in particular, weren’t buying it. Many claimed it wasn’t a foul at all.

Another fan took a direct dig at Michigan’s reputation, saying, “See what happens when u can’t cheat Michigan 😹😹😹😹.” Michigan has faced its fair share of criticism in the past. Fans don’t forget—or forgive—easily, especially when their team comes up short.

And speaking of coming up short, another comment hit painfully close to home for Michigan fans: “Michigan basketball choking in the final minutes a tradition like no other.” If we’re being honest, all three of Michigan’s losses this season have come in the final moments. 

They lost to Arkansas 89-87 and fell to Wake Forest 72-70—both games they could’ve closed out. Add this Oklahoma heartbreaker to the list. On the flip side, Oklahoma fans couldn’t get enough of Fears’ heroics. One wrote, “What a shot by Fears! BOOMER SOONER!”

The coming after that, Fears wasn’t even the first option on the final play, is just unbelievable. “Just to be clear, it was a bullet play, and we had Jeremiah coming back around the horn for the second (look),” said Sooners coach Porter Moser.

 But when the ball found its way into Fears’ hands, he didn’t hesitate. All in all, love him or hate him, Jeremiah Fears has arrived, and he is proving he’s built for the big moments. And if this performance is any indication, the future is bright.