CHAMPION — Class 2025 Guard Jeremiah fears has disassociated himself from Illinois, he announced on social media.
Fears is the No. 38 player in the 2025 rankings, according to 247Sports, and No. 32 according to the industry-generated composite rankings. The four-star guard has shown interest in reclassifying to the 2024 class. During the live period in May, he told reporters he had not yet made that decision.
Fears is a 6-foot-3 combo guard originally from Joliet, Illinois, and currently plays at Compass Prep in Arizona. He committed to Illinois in January. The Illini currently have one scholarship open for next season, but Brad Underwood & Co. has several protection options such as Kylan Boswell, Kasparas Jakucionis, Ty Rodgers and Dr. Gibbs-Lawhorn.
Fears averaged 17 points per game on the EYBL circuit this spring, while shooting 42 percent from the field. The Joliet native has also made some notable strides as a playmaker over the past year.
“I think playing on the 17U circuit last year helped me a lot this year. I think the game has gotten a little bit easier for me,” Fears told the Illini Inquirer in April. “I think my defense has gotten a lot better over the last year. Also, being a point guard and leading my team and winning.”
Fears was part of the USA Basketball U18 team that won gold at the FIBA AmeriCup earlier this month. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 6.5 points and three assists per game.
Fears wrote on social media: “First and foremost, I would like to thank the Illini Nation for all the love and support they have given me and my family during my recruitment and after my commitment. I would like to express my gratitude to Coach Underwood and his staff for their open communication and your confidence in me as the next potential big guard to play at the State Farm Center, my intention was to enter Champaign in the class of 2025 and help contribute to the continued rise in the BIG10. “With further consideration and meaningful conversations with my family, I will reopen my recruitment and explore other opportunities.”
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