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USA Today
23-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Meet Jeremiah Fears, the NBA Draft prospect who wants to 'destroy' opponents
Oklahoma Sooner guard Jeremiah Fears is already one of the top players in his position in the 2025 NBA Draft, and it's obvious that he is only going to keep improving. Fears is the youngest American-born prospect in this cycle behind only projected No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg. Both players reclassified to forego their senior year of high school and instead enroll in college, where they enjoyed tremendous success. During his one-and-done campaign at Oklahoma last season, Fears earned SEC All-Freshman honors. He averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game while helping lead his team to the NCAA tournament. The freshman spoke to For The Win about working alongside his agent (former NBA player Mike Miller), how much he is fueled by his brother, Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr., what he has learned from other Oklahoma stars, like Trae Young and Buddy Hield, and more. He is currently projected at No. 7 overall in our latest consensus mock draft. Meanwhile, for more prospect coverage, here is our latest NBA mock draft at For The Win. This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. You can watch Episode 3 of Prospect Park below: What have you done in the pre-draft process and how have you improved most? Fears: The last few weeks have been nothing but work. It's been very exciting being able to learn from Mike Miller himself. He's taking me underneath his wing and I'm able to learn from him and add it to my game. That's been so helpful for me. I would say just probably my IQ and my shooting ability. Mike's done a great job every single day being able to work with me and teach me the ins and outs and help me prepare for what's about to come. The relationships have gone a long way for me. I really like the staff I'm working with and everybody that's been along this journey have done a great job welcoming me with open arms and being by my side. Whenever I've needed help, they've been there. What is the most important thing that NBA teams should know about you? Fears: The most important thing they should know about me is I'm somebody everybody wants to be around, that is going to bring energy, be positive, no matter whether the situation is good or bad. I'm somebody who knows how to weather the storm, and I'm somebody you can lean on and count on off the court. On the court, I want NBA teams and people to know that Jeremiah Fears is a dog, and he's coming with it every single time he steps on the court. On the defensive end, I'm trying to shut you down and stop you from having a good night. Offensively, I'm going to come at you as well. So that's something that my opponent is going to know every time I step on the court. My opponent is going to know Jeremiah Fears is coming to destroy me. You guys are going to be getting a dog. Whoever picks me on draft night, you're going to be getting a dog, somebody that's going to come in and work hard and bring the star power and give it his all everytime that he steps on the court. How does your age impact your overall developmental trajectory? Fears: It's very helpful, obviously, being young. It's a lot to learn. I still have a lot of years left to play the game. I'm somebody that's willing to learn from the older guys, the vets. The more you pick up, the better player you will be and the better person you will become. I'm just continuing to come into every situation with an open mind and try my best to show the vets I'm willing to learn and I'm ready to work. I've picked up on the way people around the NBA carry themselves like professionals, you want to be somebody people want to be around. They are always positive, supportive, and pay attention to the details. The details go a long way for me, too. Pay attention to the details of how teams carry themselves and how other players carry themselves. What are the ways that your family has helped you become the player you are today? Fears: I think it's helped a lot. Basketball is in our DNA. So just being able to learn from my big brother and my father has been very helpful for me. They taught me basically everything I know. They're always supporting. They're probably my biggest critics as well, so knowing I can lean on them for any and everything, I know they're going to tell me the good and the bad whether or not I want to hear it. So I'm very thankful for them, and I know in the future, they want me to be the best I can be. I love the workouts with my brother. I think our workouts are very intense. Everything we do, we try to compete. We push each other. So it might be a shooting competition or something like just playing one-on-one, we'll say: Maybe you should have made this move. Maybe you should have taken that shot when you had the time. So we're able to help each other while also competing and going hard. What are some of the ways that you improved while at Oklahoma? Fears: I will definitely give a lot of credit to the coaching staff. They did a great job bringing in somebody so young, 17 when he first stepped foot on campus. They did a great job helping me, putting me in the right position. Every single coach there wanted the best for me and did everything they could to put me in the situation I'm in today. I want to give all the credit to them and our player development coach Josh Oppenheinmer did a great job every single day to help me prepare and be ready for the big moments and the big stage. I was able to talk to Buddy Hield and Trae Young. They actually came back for open gyms with us a couple times so that was good for not only me but my teammates as well. We got to play against them and see what it was like. I talked to them about what it was like and what the process is like. They mainly told us to enjoy everything and it's going to be quick. You have to come back and prove yourself all over again. So just go in thee with an open mind and it's going to help me in the long run. They basically told me to keep doing what you're doing. Keep listening. They can't wait to see me at the next stage and to play against me in the NBA. I've been trying to enjoy every single moment. I know sometimes it might be a lot, especially for a young kid. But it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it's something you dream about. So to be in the situation is a blessing and so I try to enjoy every thing that comes my way. What is the most underrated part of your game as of right now? Fears: It's my on-ball defense, for sure. They've seen a little bit of it in college, but I'm going to show them some more once I get to the pros. I would also say my rebounding. I do a really good job of rebounding for a point guard and I'm going to continue to do that. Was this all something you were able to picture for yourself? Fears: Yes. I wrote it down when I was in eighth grade or the start of freshman year. I had it in the back of my head. Wherever I'm at in life on the court or off the court, I try to write down a goal and it just kind of helps me know what I'm working toward. I want to be one of the best point guards in the NBA. I want to win the MVP of the NBA. I want to be one of the best point guards to play the game. I trust my work. I put in a lot of work. So I just believed in myself and trusted my work. I always bet on myself and believe in the work I put in. You don't go into the gym and put in multiple hours and then go on the court and freeze up when the big moment comes.
USA Today
14-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Alabama guard Labaron Philon announces final 2025 NBA draft decision
Alabama guard Labaron Philon announces final 2025 NBA draft decision According to ESPN's Jeff Borzello, a final NBA draft decision has now officially come from Alabama Crimson Tide guard Labaron Philon. Philon, who is one-of-three Alabama players participating in the combine this week, will remain in the 2025 NBA draft according to Borzello, and will not return to Alabama for the 2025-26 season. The guard played a prominent role for the Crimson Tide this past season as a freshman, starting 29-of-37 games where Philon averaged 10.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Named SEC All-Freshman also, Philon shot 45.2% from the field, 31.5% from three, and 76.7% at the free throw line. At the moment, Philon likely projects as either a late-first or early-second round pick. Philon is likely to be the first Alabama player selected in the 2025 NBA draft, as both Mark Sears and Grant Nelson are projected as either late-second round picks or undrafted. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
USA Today
04-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Florida's Walter Clayton Jr, Alex Condon, Alijah Martin invited to 2025 NBA draft combine
Florida's Walter Clayton Jr, Alex Condon, Alijah Martin invited to 2025 NBA draft combine The 2025 NBA draft combine kicks off next week in Chicago, where the top prospects ahead of June's annual selection event will work out in front of members of all 30 professional basketball franchises. The list of 75 players was released on Saturday and included a trio of members of the national-championship-winning Florida basketball program. Point guard Walter Clayton Jr.'s name was among those invited to the combine, as well as fellow guard Alijah Marton and forward Alex Condon. Another Gator — guard Will Richard — was not selected to attend the main event, but did get the call from the NBA G League Elite Camp, which takes place just before the start of the main combine. If he performs well, he could be picked to join the other three at the mandatory NBA draft combine. Walter Clayton Jr. The graduating senior out of Bartow, Florida, averaged 18.3 points, 4.2 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game during the 2024-25 campaign. For his efforts, he earned First-Team All-SEC and All-American honors while being anointed Most Outstanding Player in the 2025 Final Four for his title-winning heroics. "Clayton is a fearless, uber-confident shot-maker who just carried his club to a national championship. The stakes and the spotlight clearly don't bother him, and when he really has it rolling, neither does the defensive pressure he faces," Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley notes. "He won't be for everyone, since he's already 22 and functions mostly as a 6'3" scoring guard. But for a team with win-now intentions and a need for additional shot-making... his production and skill could trump those concerns." Alex Condon Over two seasons in Gainesville, the Aussie played in 74 total games while starting exactly half of them (37), averaging 9.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 blocks per appearance. He played in all 36 games and earned SEC All-Freshman honors two seasons ago, totaling 277 points, 229 rebounds and a team-leading 45 blocked shots. Condon was the first Gator in program history to make his first career start in the NCAA Tournament against the Colorado Buffaloes in 2024. This year, the multi-talented forward averaged 10.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while cementing his status as a starter in Florida's rotation during the 2024-25 campaign. He was recognized as the SEC Player of the Week three times and was named third-team All-SEC. "During the season, the 6-foot-11 playmaker fit a multitude of roles, learning through the bumps and bruises as he fit next to teammates who filled similar spaces or guarded opponents with a skillset he never faced before. Growing from each moment, the final result was an impact performance which shaped a national championship season," On3's James Fletcher III notes. Alijah Martin Martin was a very productive member of the roster during his lone season in Gainesville, averaging a career-high 14.4 points per game along with 4.5 rebounds with 82 assists, and 79 3-point field goals. He started 36 of his 38 appearances with the Orange and Blue, and his 546 points rank 17th in Florida history in a single season and the third-most by a transfer. His efforts helped him become the first player to start in a Final Four for two different teams. "Alijah Martin has not drawn widespread NBA draft praise, largely because of his 6-foot-2 frame as an off-ball guard. However, there is so much to like about his ability to compete on both ends that he should draw second-round interest and at least get the opportunity to play for a two-way deal this offseason," Fletcher's assessment begins. "Despite lacking the size needed to score and guard at a high level, standing well shorter than many of the matchups he could face in the NBA, there is a special tenacity present throughout his college career which promises to translate into a reliable bench role which could keep him on a roster with hopes of development." NBA draft combine information "The 2025 NBA draft combine will take place from May 11-18 at Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago, Illinois," according to the official website. "As set forth in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, all invited players are required to attend and participate in the NBA Draft Combine. The NBA may excuse an invited player's attendance or participation at the Draft Combine and require the player to complete Draft Combine activities at a later date." Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
02-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Will Florida basketball forward Alex Condon stay or go in the 2025 NBA draft in June?
Will Florida basketball forward Alex Condon stay or go in the 2025 NBA draft in June? The 2024-25 men's college basketball campaign was one to remember for Florida fans after the Gators brought home the bacon with their third-ever national championship. The achievement was a result of talented players being coached by a sensational staff, which ultimately amounted to a sum greater than its parts. Among the cornerstones of the Orange and Blue's epic run last season was sophomore forward Alex Condon, an athletic 6-foot-11-inch, 230-pound bruiser from Australia who elevated his game to anchor one of the best front courts in the sport. Last month, he decided to test the NBA draft waters but has yet to decide whether or not to take the plunge. The Athletic's Jim Root recently took a look at 11 NBA draft stay-or-go decisions that will play a huge role in how the 2025-26 season plays out. On his list, Condon comes in at No. 4. Looking at Alex Condon's NBA draft option "The Gators' shocking run to the national title came in large part due to a supremely talented trio of shot makers on the perimeter. Clayton, Alijah Martin and Will Richard all had major moments of brilliance during their March run. But Florida's deep and physical frontcourt was an overlooked aspect of its success," Root begins. "Todd Golden could cycle body after body in the paint to bludgeon opponents and wear them down over 40 minutes, and Condon and Rueben Chinyelu, the Gators' two starters, were crucial parts of that rotation. Chinyelu is also gauging NBA interest but is generally expected to return to school; however, the physical Australian Condon is much more of a true toss-up," he continues. "He struggled in the NCAA Tournament after an ankle injury late in the season, so he could be best served to return to school and show off his talents once more while leading the Florida front line for what would be a top 10-15 team heading into the year." It is worth noting that according to Torvik's Roster Cast tool, the Gators rank ninth with Condon while falling all the way to 19th without the power forward. Condon's collegiate career stats, accolades Over two seasons in Gainesville, Condon played in 74 total games while starting exactly half of them (37), averaging 9.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 blocks per played in all 36 games and earned SEC All-Freshman honors last season, totaling 277 points, 229 rebounds and a team-leading 45 blocked shots. Condon was the first Gator in program history to make his first career start in the NCAA Tournament against the Colorado Buffaloes in 2024. This year, the multi-talented forward averaged 10.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while cementing his status as a starter in Florida's rotation. He was recognized as the SEC Player of the Week three times during the 2024-25 campaign and was named third-team All-SEC. Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
New York Times
25-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
49ers draft edge Mykel Williams: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
The San Francisco 49ers selected Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams with the No. 11 pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. Williams played in 12 games, starting five, last season as a junior and posted career bests in tackles for loss (8 1/2), sacks (five) and forced fumbles (two), and added 21 tackles and a pass defended for a Georgia team that won the SEC Championship Game and advanced to the Sugar Bowl. Advertisement He was a second-team All-SEC selection in each of the past two seasons and a freshman All-American and SEC All-Freshman selection in 2022, when Georgia won the College Football Playoff national championship. In three college seasons with the Bulldogs, Williams played in 40 games, including 17 starts, and posted 67 tackles, 21 1/2 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and three passes defended. Williams ranked No. 21 in Dane Brugler's top 300 big board. Here's what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide: 'A consensus top-10 recruit out of high school, he made an immediate impact as a freshman (several key plays vs. Ohio State in the playoffs) and consistently flashed over his career. His junior season wasn't the true breakout year many expected on the stat sheet, but he set career bests in sacks and tackles for loss, despite dealing with a left ankle sprain that he reinjured 'multiple times' during the season. 'Williams has a rare mix of bend and length for a pass rusher and can be a battering ram when he wants to be, but NFL teams want to see him develop finesse and more easily accessible counters in his rush attack. Though there are plenty of examples on tape of Williams maximizing his length and power advantages to push the pocket or set the edge, he needs to do it more consistently for quicker wins and block sheds. Overall, Williams is more toolsy than nuanced and needs to develop a more unified pass-rush plan. The individual traits (length, strength, explosiveness), promising toughness and football character, however, are reasons to bet on his upside. Similar in ways to Jason Pierre-Paul, he projects as an NFL starter on the edge.' What anonymous coaches had to say about Williams in Bruce Feldman's mock draft: 'He was banged up a lot this year, but when he was close to 100 percent, he's super twitchy. He's a freak.' 'He's more of the traditional defensive end guy than (Jalon) Walker. He can either be that 3-4 outside linebacker or 4-3 end. He has real pass-rush ability. I think he's an elite edge rusher. He's great chasing from behind, and he can play the run well enough.' Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams (13, bottom of screen): 6-5, 265, long, quick and fast — can drop, cover and tackle in space. 😳 — Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) August 31, 2024 Come back later for more analysis of Williams.
