Michigan State Spartans Guard Jeremy Fears Jr. Stuns College Basketball World by Announcing His Return for the 2025 Season, Vowing to Finish Unfinished Business Lead the Spartans Back to National Championship Contention and Cement His Legacy Among the Greatest Guards in Program History…………….
Michigan State Spartans Guard Jeremy Fears Jr. Stuns College Basketball World by Announcing His Return for the 2025 Season, Vowing to Finish Unfinished Business Lead the Spartans Back to National Championship Contention and Cement His Legacy Among the Greatest Guards in Program History…………….
East Lansing, MI – May 2, 2025
In a move that sent shockwaves across the college basketball landscape, Michigan State Spartans sophomore guard Jeremy Fears Jr. announced on Friday that he will forego the 2025 NBA Draft and return to East Lansing for his junior season. The announcement came via a heartfelt video posted on his social media accounts, where Fears declared his intention to finish “unfinished business,” lead the Spartans back into national championship contention, and etch his name among the legends of the program.
“I’m not done,” Fears said in the video, his voice steady and determined. “We came up short last season, and that’s been eating at me every single day. Michigan State means everything to me. Coach Izzo, my teammates, the fans — you all believed in me when I needed it most. Now it’s time to pay it back. I’m coming back to finish what we started.”
An Emotional Comeback Journey
Fears’ return is particularly poignant given the adversity he faced during the 2024 season. A promising sophomore campaign was cut short in December when he was the victim of a gunshot wound to the leg while visiting family in Illinois. The injury sidelined him for the remainder of the year, dealing a devastating blow to both Fears and a Spartans team that had championship aspirations.
Despite being confined to the bench, Fears remained a vocal leader, often seen mentoring teammates during timeouts and cheering with crutches on the sidelines. His presence was deeply felt even in absence, with Coach Tom Izzo often praising his maturity, basketball IQ, and unwavering spirit.
“Jeremy’s toughness is beyond basketball,” Izzo said earlier this year. “What he’s gone through, how he’s handled it — that’s the kind of kid you build a program around. His decision to come back means the world to this team.”
Draft Buzz Delayed — With a Purpose
Before his injury, Fears was widely considered a future NBA draft pick, with scouts intrigued by his elite court vision, leadership qualities, and high-level defensive instincts. Some experts projected him as a possible late first-round or early second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft if he had entered.
However, the decision to return appears driven more by legacy than draft stock.
“I want to be remembered,” Fears said in the video. “Cassius Winston. Mateen Cleaves. Scott Skiles. When people talk about great Michigan State point guards, I want them to say my name with the same respect. That’s the goal — not just to make it to the league, but to leave my mark.”
A Potentially Loaded Spartans Roster in 2025-26
Fears’ return instantly elevates Michigan State into the preseason top-10 conversation. With a strong recruiting class incoming and key players like Xavier Booker, Jaden Akins, and Coen Carr potentially returning, the Spartans could be one of the most experienced and talented teams in the Big Ten.
In his abbreviated 2024 season, Fears averaged 9.6 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.8 steals in just 12 games, showing flashes of brilliance as a floor general. Known for his tenacious defense and vocal leadership, Fears is expected to take another leap in his junior season now that he’s fully healthy.
“It’s not just about putting up numbers,” he said. “It’s about leading this group, holding everyone accountable, and going to war every night. I want to make sure when teams see Michigan State on the schedule, they know what’s coming.”
A Spark for Tom Izzo’s Late-Career Resurgence
Now entering what many consider the twilight of his legendary coaching career, Tom Izzo may have found new fire thanks to Fears’ loyalty and commitment. The Hall of Famer, who led the Spartans to a national championship in 2000 and multiple Final Fours since, has long said he’s motivated most by players who care about legacy and leadership.
“Jeremy’s heart is in the right place,” Izzo said in a statement released by the university following the announcement. “He’s not just a basketball player — he’s a Spartan. And when you have a Spartan like that coming back, everything becomes possible.”
The National Buzz
Fears’ decision is already rippling through the college basketball world. ESPN’s Jay Bilas called the announcement “a massive win for college basketball,” while CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish tweeted that “Michigan State just went from a dark horse to a legitimate title threat in one move.”
Analysts are noting that Fears’ return bucks the trend of early exits for the NBA and signals a shift in mentality among high-profile players who still see value in the college game.
“Fears is setting a new standard,” former Spartan and NBA veteran Draymond Green said on his podcast. “He’s saying: ‘I’m not running from the grind. I’m running toward greatness.’ That’s Spartan
