The echoes of a vibrant college basketball season still resonate through Norman, Oklahoma, but for one particularly bright star, the future is now. Jeremiah Fears, the electrifying one-and-done guard who captivated Oklahoma Sooners fans this past year, has officially stepped onto the grand stage of the NBA. Drafted seventh overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the recent 2025 NBA Draft, Fears represents the latest in a lineage of talented guards to emerge from the crimson and cream. Yet, the initial euphoria of draft night was quickly accompanied by a familiar narrative – the challenge of joining a franchise often labeled as “cursed” due to its historical struggles and propensity for injuries. It’s a daunting prospect for any young player, but Fears isn’t entering this new chapter without a powerful beacon of reassurance.
That reassurance comes directly from a superstar who knows exactly what it’s like to navigate such waters: Trae Young. The Atlanta Hawks’ All-Star point guard, himself a one-and-done Oklahoma sensation drafted into a franchise with its own set of challenges, has extended a resounding “green light” to Fears. Young’s endorsement isn’t just a casual nod; it’s a profound statement of confidence, a testament to shared experiences, and a powerful message that Jeremiah Fears has what it takes to defy expectations, just as Young did. This isn’t merely about a former player praising a current one; it’s a symbolic passing of the torch, an affirmation from a seasoned veteran who sees a piece of his own journey reflected in the rookie’s path.
Jeremiah Fears: A Season of Brilliance and a Swift Ascent
Jeremiah Fears arrived in Norman with considerable fanfare, a highly touted prospect who reclassified from the 2025 class to join the Sooners a year early, clearly eyeing a rapid path to professional basketball. His decision to embrace the “one-and-done” route immediately drew comparisons to the last Oklahoma guard to do so with such impact: Trae Young. Fears wasted no time in proving his prodigious talent. In his lone season with the Sooners, he quickly established himself as the team’s undisputed leader and most dynamic offensive weapon.
Starting 31 of Oklahoma’s 34 games, Fears showcased a remarkable versatility and maturity for a freshman. He led the team in scoring with an impressive 17.1 points per game, demonstrating an innate ability to create shots and attack the basket. Beyond his scoring prowess, Fears also orchestrated the offense, leading the Sooners with 4.1 assists per game, proving he was as much a facilitator as he was a scorer. His defensive tenacity was equally evident, as he topped the team in steals with 1.6 per game, showcasing his disruptive instincts on that end of the floor. Furthermore, his contribution on the glass, pulling down 4.1 rebounds per game, highlighted his all-around impact. Fears’ strong freshman campaign was pivotal in guiding Oklahoma back to the NCAA Tournament, marking a significant step for the program. His usage rate, a staggering 31.5%, was among the highest in the nation, a clear indicator of his central role in Coach Porter Moser’s system and his ability to handle a heavy offensive load despite his youth. Fears wasn’t just a talent; he was the engine of the Sooners.
His exceptional play throughout the season propelled his draft stock skyward. What began as speculation about a potential first-round pick quickly solidified into a consensus top-10 projection. NBA scouts and analysts lauded his quickness, his scoring versatility, his improved playmaking, and his competitive fire. The stage was set for a life-altering draft night.
The Draft Night Revelation: Landing with the Pelicans
When NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called Jeremiah Fears’ name as the seventh overall pick, selected by the New Orleans Pelicans, it was a moment of immense pride for Fears, his family, and the Oklahoma basketball program. A top-10 pick guarantees a substantial rookie contract and a clear indication of a franchise’s belief in a player’s potential. However, the excitement was immediately tempered for some by the team that made the pick.
The New Orleans Pelicans, despite boasting a roster with high-level talent, have often been plagued by narratives of misfortune. Persistent injury woes, particularly to star players, and a consistent inability to break through into sustained playoff contention have earned them the unenviable “cursed” label among some fans and media. For a young player like Fears, entering a new environment that already carries such a reputation could be seen as an immediate hurdle, a situation “no one asked for,” as some reports phrased it. The history suggests a challenging road ahead, where individual brilliance often collides with organizational inertia or unforeseen circumstances. This initial perception could, for some, cast a shadow over what should be an unadulterated celebration of a lifelong dream realized.
Yet, it is precisely this perceived challenge that makes the ensuing endorsement so powerful. The idea of a “cursed” organization and the weight of expectations are burdens that a superstar like Trae Young understands intimately.
Enter Trae Young: A Powerful Voice of Experience
The moment the news broke of Fears heading to New Orleans, a familiar voice from the Oklahoma Sooners’ past emerged with a statement that resonated deeply throughout the basketball world. Trae Young, currently one of the NBA’s premier point guards and a Norman native, wasted no time in offering his perspective. His message was succinct, yet profound: “He will be fine. When you’re a one-and-done guard from Oklahoma, there’s just something about it.”
This wasn’t merely a polite congratulation; it was a seasoned veteran, an All-Star who has navigated the demanding currents of the NBA for seven years, providing a stamp of approval that carries immense weight. Young’s words cut through any initial anxieties about Fears’ landing spot. The implicit message was clear: Fears possesses the innate qualities, honed during his time as a Sooner, to overcome any organizational “curse” or perceived disadvantage. Young, who also serves as an assistant general manager for Oklahoma, has maintained a close relationship with the program and its players, observing Fears’ development firsthand. His endorsement is rooted not just in shared alma mater, but in a deeper understanding of Fears’ character and abilities. It’s a veteran signaling to the league and to Fears himself that the talent is undeniable, and the mindset is right.
Walking in “Same Shoes”: The Striking Parallels Between Fears and Young
The connection between Jeremiah Fears and Trae Young goes far beyond a shared collegiate history. Their paths to the NBA exhibit striking parallels, creating a unique bond and lending unparalleled credence to Young’s “green light.” Both players are quintessential “one-and-done” talents from the Oklahoma Sooners, a rare distinction that immediately links their professional trajectories. This accelerated path speaks volumes about their elite skill levels and readiness for the next level right out of high school.
When Trae Young entered the 2018 NBA Draft, he faced significant skepticism. Despite a collegiate season that saw him become the only player in NCAA Division I history to lead the nation in both points and assists, concerns lingered. Critics questioned his relatively small stature for an NBA point guard and wondered if his unconventional, free-flowing shooting style would translate against professional defenses. He was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks (and subsequently traded to the Atlanta Hawks), a franchise that, at the time, was in a period of rebuilding and hadn’t enjoyed recent sustained success. Young was tasked with being the foundational piece for a team looking to find its identity. Seven years later, Young has unequivocally proven his doubters wrong. He has become a multiple-time NBA All-Star, an All-NBA Third Team selection, and last season, he led the entire league in assists, all while maintaining an impressive scoring average of 24 points per game. His journey is a testament to overcoming initial doubts and blossoming into a bona fide superstar.
Jeremiah Fears finds himself in a strikingly similar predicament. While the specifics of the skepticism may differ, the underlying theme of external doubts persists. Fears is joining a New Orleans Pelicans team that, despite having a talented roster, has struggled with consistency and health, leading to the “cursed” label. The challenge for Fears will be to not only develop his game at the professional level but also to become a catalyst for change within an organization that has historically struggled to meet its potential. Much like Young, Fears is being drafted into a situation where he is expected to be a significant part of the solution for a team seeking a new direction.
Furthermore, there are stylistic resemblances. Both Young and Fears are dynamic guards who thrive with the ball in their hands, capable of scoring from all three levels and creating opportunities for teammates. They possess an innate flair for the game, a willingness to take risks, and a competitive drive that pushes them to excel. These shared attributes, combined with their shared “one-and-done Sooner guard” narrative, make Young’s words resonate with exceptional authority. He’s not just speaking as a successful pro; he’s speaking as someone who has literally walked that same path, faced similar questions, and emerged victorious.
The “Green Light” Defined: More Than Just Words
Trae Young’s “green light” for Jeremiah Fears is far more than a simple public statement; it’s a multi-faceted endorsement that can profoundly impact Fears’ nascent NBA career. Firstly, it provides an invaluable boost of confidence. For a young player stepping into the incredibly demanding world of professional sports, an endorsement from a respected contemporary who has achieved what Fears aspires to can be immeasurably empowering. It validates Fears’ talent and reassures him that the challenges ahead are surmountable.
Secondly, Young’s words shape perception. When an All-Star like Trae Young speaks, the basketball world listens. His public backing can help to mitigate the negative “cursed franchise” narrative surrounding the Pelicans in relation to Fears, shifting the focus instead to Fears’ undeniable talent and the potential for a bright future. It signals to coaches, teammates, media, and fans alike that Fears is seen as a player of high caliber, capable of thriving even in a challenging environment.
Lastly, and perhaps most significantly, it suggests a mentorship. While not explicitly stated, Young’s public support hints at a willingness to guide Fears, drawing upon his own experiences to offer advice and support as Fears navigates the complexities of the NBA. This “green light” is an invitation to lean on a veteran who has mastered the art of leading a team and silencing critics, providing a blueprint for success in the face of adversity. It symbolizes the passing of knowledge, the sharing of insights, and the extension of a helping hand from one Sooner legend to another on the cusp of his own legacy.
The Road Ahead for Fears
Jeremiah Fears now embarks on the next chapter of his basketball journey, one fraught with the immense challenges and unparalleled opportunities of the NBA. His path, however, is illuminated by the powerful “green light” from Trae Young, a superstar who traversed similar terrain and emerged as one of the league’s elite. Young’s endorsement is a powerful reminder that talent, resilience, and the belief of those who have walked the path before can transcend initial obstacles. As Fears steps onto the court in New Orleans, he carries not just the hopes of the Pelicans and the pride of the Sooners, but also the confident affirmation of a superstar who knows he’ll be just fine. The stage is set for Jeremiah Fears to write his own remarkable story, guided by the wisdom of a peer who paved the way.