Luxury junior Fears commits to play for Illinois

• Jeff Borzello Close Jeff Borzello ESPN Personnel Writer Basketball recruiting insider. Joined ESPN in 2014. Graduate of University of Delaware.Paul Biancardi Close Paul Biancardi Basketball Recruiting National Recruiting Director for ESPN.com 18 years of coaching experience at Department I

  level Previous Horizon League coach of the year at Wright State Jan 22, 2024, 03:54 PM

• ET Luxury junior Jeremiah Fears announced his dedication to Illinois on Monday, providing Brad Underwood the highest-ranked

commitment in the 2025 class.It’s likewise Illinois’very first first-class commitment since the ESPN recruiting database began in 2007. Fears, the younger bro of Michigan State freshman guard Jeremy Fears Jr., chose

the Combating Illini over Providence, although Michigan, Kansas and Ole Miss were likewise on his final list.Editor’s Picks” It’s my home town school. I wish to win and be

a hometown hero,

“Fears told ESPN. “They’ve been recruiting me the longest and the hardest, because the 8th grade. I have an excellent relationship with Brad Underwood and staff.”A 6-foot-2 guard from Joliet, Illinois, who attends AZ Compass Preparation(Arizona ), Fears

is ranked No. 16 in the ESPN 60 for the 2025 class.Fears bet the Bradley Beal Elite grassroots program on the Nike EYBL circuit last spring and summer, balancing 9.9 points

and 3.1 assists. He has had a productive high school season too, balancing 12.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in EYBL Scholastic games.Fears is a confident scorer who is transitioning to the point guard position. He ratings the ball with natural instincts, a burst of speed and

a capability to get to the totally free throw line. He has an opportunity to be an outstanding on-ball defender, too.He is the only dedication for Illinois in the 2025 class, however he’s likewise only the 2nd luxury junior committed at this moment in the cycle. Before Fears’promise, No. 18

Aaron Rowe (Missouri)was the lone first-class dedication.