Oklahoma Sooners Return to NCAA Tournament Amid Young Star’s Rapid Rise

RALEIGH, North Carolina — The Oklahoma Sooners are set to make their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2021, led by standout freshman Jeremiah Fears, who has quickly emerged as a key player for the team following his reclassification from the 2025 recruiting class.

Fears, a 6-foot-4 guard, joined the Sooners after initially committing elsewhere, showcasing a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in the competitive landscape of college basketball. Assistant coach Chris Gates remarked on Fears’ impressive progression, stating, “Oh man, it’s been unbelievable…I did not think it would be this fast, that his game would translate this fast, but he is such a learner and a pleasure to be around.”

Gates first encountered Fears during his sophomore year of high school while coaching at Oregon. Recognizing the guard’s potential, Gates brought him out for an unofficial visit in January 2023. A year later, Fears committed to Oklahoma, joining a rebuilt roster that aims to secure a strong postseason run.

In his inaugural season with OU, Fears has emerged as a critical contributor, leading the team in points (17), assists (4.1), and steals (1.6). His performance earned him a spot as an SEC All-Freshman selection, further demonstrating his impact on the court.

“Every day he brings a competitive fire,” teammate said. “He’s trying to cut throats every single day at practice. I feel as though Jeremiah, he’s always going at everyone. Everyone’s going at him. He’s trying to be better, and he’s fearless.”

The Sooners concluded the regular season with a strong finish, including victories over Missouri and Texas, and a round one win against Georgia in the SEC Tournament. The ups and downs of the season have prepared them well for the challenges ahead as they enter March Madness under the leadership of head coach Porter Moser.

This tournament marks Moser’s third coaching experience in the NCAA Tournament, although it will be his first at OU. His previous tenure at Loyola Chicago established him as a strategist capable of leading teams deep into the tournament. This year, he aims to leverage that experience as he guides the Sooners.

Fears’ late-season performance has been pivotal, especially as he surpassed 28 points in three of the last four games, solidifying his role as the team’s main offensive weapon.

As Oklahoma prepares to face a formidable opponent in UConn, coached by the experienced Dan Hurley, the Sooners will need to focus on key areas such as controlling turnovers and remaining mentally sharp to succeed against the reigning national champions. This marks a significant opportunity for the Sooners to harness their skills and find the magic they displayed during their last memorable tournament run in 2016.