Izzo provides update on Jeremy Fears Jr., likeliness of staying in NBA Draft

TL;DR

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo is optimistic that Jeremy Fears Jr. will return for another season despite declaring for the NBA Draft. Fears had a standout season, averaging 15.2 points and 9.4 assists per game, but is projected as a second-round pick.

Key points

Tom Izzo is confident Jeremy Fears Jr. will return to college.
Fears averaged 15.2 points and 9.4 assists in the 2025-26 season.
He is invited to the NBA Combine to potentially boost his draft stock.

Mentioned in this story

Michigan State

Jeremy Fears Jr.

It appears Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo is confident his top player will be returning for another season despite entering the NBA Draft.

Michigan State All-American point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. is considering jumping to the NBA after declaring for the draft last month, but Izzo remains confident he'll be back for another season in the green-and-white. Izzo recently spoke with local radio and TV personality Tim Staudt about the possibility of Fears leaving early for the NBA, and he said he still expects him back next year.

Fears had a breakout season in 2025-26, finishing the season averaging 15.2 points and 9.4 assists per game. He was the most important player on the Spartans' roster and helped lead Michigan State to a second straight Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Fears has been invited to the NBA Combine this week and will have the opportunity to increase his draft stock. But it appears he is still most likely to return for another season considering he's mocked as a second round pick at best.

Click on the embedded social media post to read more on Izzo's recent comments on Fears below:

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Izzo provides update on Jeremy Fears Jr., likeliness of staying in NBA Draft

Q&A

What did Tom Izzo say about Jeremy Fears Jr.'s NBA Draft decision?

Tom Izzo expressed confidence that Jeremy Fears Jr. will return to Michigan State for another season despite his declaration for the NBA Draft.

How did Jeremy Fears Jr. perform during the 2025-26 season?

Jeremy Fears Jr. had a breakout season, averaging 15.2 points and 9.4 assists per game, leading Michigan State to a second consecutive Sweet 16 appearance.

What are the chances of Jeremy Fears Jr. being drafted in the NBA?

Jeremy Fears Jr. is currently projected as a second-round pick at best, which may influence his decision to return to college basketball.