Illinois basketball: Former Commit Jeremiah Fears discusses decommitment

Jeremiah Fears announced his decision to de-commit from Illinois basketball earlier in the week. The decision was tough to swallow for many Illinois basketball fans, however, made a lot of sense for both parties. Fears is one of the top combo guards in the class of 2025 and would like to expedite his path to the professional ranks. There have been many discussions regarding a decision to reclass into the class of 2024 as Fears has already graduated high school. On the flip side, Illinois basketball has a roster that is filled to the brim and simply cannot give Fears the role that he desires in the 2024 season.

Though the Illini lost out on a talented, in-state prospect, the timing simply did not work out. Jeremiah spoke with Scott Burgess from PrepHoops Illinois regarding his decision and what is next.

PHI spoke with Jeremiah Fears @jeremiahfears2 on Friday Night at the #PHGritFinals @PHCircuit!

– Opener for @hoops4health33 in Indy
– USA Basketball experience
– Decommitment earlier in week from #Illini
– Reclassification
– Programs who have reached out since opening it up pic.twitter.com/Bkp2SSUpYS

— Scott Burgess (@scottybscout) July 6, 2024

A long list of suitors.

AZ Compass’ Jeremiah Fears (2) drives to the basket during the game between Bartlett High School and AZ Compass Prep School during Memphis Hoopfest at Bartlett High School in Bartlett, Tenn., on Saturday, January 6, 2024.

Fears did not tip his hand into the decision to reclassify into the class of 2024, however, did list out schools that have reached out. The talented combo guard has heard from schools including Arkansas, Kentucky, USC, Michigan State, and Michigan. Regardless of where Fears ends up, it will be interesting to see if he gets the opportunities that he desires. He is a talented scoring guard, however, the biggest knock on him is his physical stature and consistent jump shot.

It may not be out of the question that Fears ends up playing one or two years at another school before possibly considering Illinois basketball, which should be a Big Ten contender for the foreseeable future. Just look at the path of Kylan Boswell.

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