Jeremiah Fears: Oklahoma’s Fourth Top-10 NBA Draft Pick in 20 Years

In the realm of basketball, Oklahoma has produced a remarkable crop of talent over the last two decades, culminating in Jeremiah Fears becoming the fourth Oklahoman to be selected in the NBA draft’s top 10 picks. This achievement places Fears among an elite group of athletes who have not only showcased their talent at the collegiate level but also attracted the attention of NBA franchises seeking the next generation of basketball stars.

Jeremiah Fears, a dynamic wing player, hails from Oklahoma and rose through the ranks of high school basketball before committing to a prominent college basketball program. Known for his scoring ability, athleticism, and defensive versatility, Fears quickly became a standout player in the NCAA. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ made him a prime candidate for early selection in the NBA draft.

Standing around 6’5” with a strong frame and impressive wingspan, Fears excelled as a scorer and defender. His ability to create his own shot, knock down perimeter jumpers, and guard multiple positions made him a versatile asset. By his sophomore or junior season (depending on when he declared), he was a leading candidate for first-round selection, drawing comparisons to some of the NBA’s top wing players

In the recent NBA draft, Jeremiah Fears was chosen in the top 10 picks, an honor reserved for players deemed to have significant potential to impact the league immediately. Being a top-10 pick signifies a vote of confidence from the drafting team’s front office and coaching staff, who believe that the player will be a cornerstone of their franchise in the years to come.

For Oklahoma, Fears’ selection continues a proud tradition of basketball talent that has emerged from the state over the last two decades. His draft spot is particularly significant given the increasing competitiveness of the NBA draft, where top-10 picks are hotly contested by players from all over the country and the world.

Jeremiah Fears joins an exclusive club as the fourth Oklahoman player to be drafted in the NBA’s top 10 in the last 20 years. To fully appreciate his accomplishment, it is important to look at the other three players who preceded him. Each brought their own unique talents to the NBA and helped elevate Oklahoma’s reputation as a breeding ground for basketball talent.

The most famous and arguably the most successful Oklahoman NBA draft pick of the modern era is Blake Griffin. Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Griffin played his college basketball at the University of Oklahoma, where he was a dominant force in the Big 12 Conference.

Blake Griffin’s college career was marked by explosive athleticism, highlight-reel dunks, and consistent improvement. He was widely regarded as the most athletic player in his draft class and was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2009.

Griffin quickly made an impact in the NBA despite an injury delaying his rookie season. When he debuted, he won the NBA Rookie of the Year award and went on to become a multiple-time NBA All-Star. Known for his power, agility, and versatility, Griffin was a key figure in transforming the Clippers from a perennial underperformer into a competitive playoff team.

His career includes numerous memorable performances, All-NBA selections, and a reputation as one of the league’s most exciting players during his prime. Griffin’s legacy firmly places Oklahoma on the basketball map and serves as inspiration for players like Jeremiah Fears

Trae Young is another Oklahoman who made waves with his top-10 draft selection and rapid rise in the NBA. A native of Lubbock, Texas, but a basketball product of the Oklahoma basketball culture, Young played his college ball at the University of Oklahoma.

Known for his incredible shooting range, playmaking, and confidence, Trae Young was a scoring and assist machine during his lone season with the Sooners. His deep three-point shooting and ability to break down defenses made him a coveted pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Selected 5th overall by the Dallas Mavericks and then traded to the Atlanta Hawks, Trae Young quickly became a franchise cornerstone. His fearless style, combined with his court vision, made him one of the league’s top point guards.

Young led the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021 and has been a multiple-time NBA All-Star. His offensive prowess and leadership are qualities that make him a standout Oklahoman NBA star and a fitting predecessor to Jeremiah Fears.

While Steven Adams was drafted just outside the top 10 (12th overall), his inclusion in Oklahoma’s NBA draft history is significant due to his impact and presence in the league. Adams is from New Zealand but played college basketball at the University of Pittsburgh before being drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He’s often associated with Oklahoma basketball because of his connection to the Thunder and the state’s fanbase.

Adams has been a reliable, defensive-minded center, known for his toughness and rebounding. While not a top-10 pick, his role as a long-standing NBA player connected to Oklahoma helps provide context for the state’s overall influence in professional basketball.

Oklahoma’s basketball talent pipeline is a testament to the state’s development programs, high school coaching, and collegiate programs that nurture young athletes into NBA-ready prospects. Producing four top-10 NBA draft picks in 20 years is no small feat — it reflects a growing recognition of Oklahoma’s basketball culture and its ability to compete with traditional basketball hotbeds like California, New York, and North Carolina.

The University of Oklahoma (OU) has been instrumental in developing talent that reaches the NBA. With solid recruiting and coaching staffs, OU provides players like Jeremiah Fears and Trae Young the platform to showcase their skills on a national stage. OU’s style of play, focusing on athleticism, skill development, and competitive toughness, prepares players for the rigors of the NBA.

In addition to college programs, high school and AAU programs in Oklahoma have improved their competitiveness and scouting exposure. This has allowed players like Fears to gain visibility and experience playing against top-tier competition, ultimately improving their draft stock.

Each of these top-10 draft picks has contributed to the NBA in different ways:

• Blake Griffin revitalized a franchise and brought attention to Oklahoma’s basketball talent.
• Trae Young represents the new generation of high-scoring, fast-paced guards who thrive on shooting and playmaking.
• Jeremiah Fears is poised to join these ranks, bringing a versatile skill set that modern NBA teams crave.

These players not only elevate their own careers but also raise the profile of Oklahoma as a state that consistently produces NBA talent. Young athletes from Oklahoma can look up to these figures as examples of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.

Jeremiah Fears’ selection as the fourth Oklahoman in the NBA draft’s top 10 picks over the past 20 years is a milestone that highlights Oklahoma’s growing influence in the basketball world. Alongside Blake Griffin and Trae Young, Fears represents the next chapter in Oklahoma’s basketball legacy.

This trend underscores the strength of Oklahoma’s basketball development system and its ability to cultivate talent capable of competing at the highest levels. As Fears embarks on his NBA journey, the basketball community will be watching closely, eager to see how he continues the tradition of excellence established by his predecessors.

The story of Oklahoma’s top-10 NBA draft picks is not just about individual achievement—it is about a state’s passion for basketball, the growth of its programs, and the dreams of young players who strive to make it to the NBA stage.