Illinois Basketball: Illini in early on 2025 standout recruit

Illinois basketball head coach Brad Underwood is in early on one of the most electric players in high school basketball – and he is just a freshman.

The Illini are continuing to prioritize the future at the guard position by being all-in on 2025 point guard prospect Jeremiah Fears.

The 6-foot-1 guard attends Joilet West High School in Illinois, where he helped lead the Tigers to a 16-11 record.  Fears currently holds three other offers from Michigan, Xavier, and Michigan State – where his brother, four-star point guard Jeremy Fears, committed in January.

At just 15 years old, Fears is playing two years ahead at the 17U level, and he is absolutely dominating the competition.  In Hoops 4 Health’s recent outing in the Prep Hoops Circuit, Fears put up an absurd 42-point performance on 17-of-27 shooting (63%).

In the game prior, Fears put on another show with 20 points, five rebounds, and three assists in Hoops 4 Health’s season opener.

What could the Illinois basketball roster look like in 2025 with a Jeremiah Fears commitment?

It is still three years down, but it is never too early to look toward the future.  Underwood and staff have already assembled the No. 6 recruiting class for 2022 and the No. 1 2024 class in the nation.  Adding Fears to those talented groups would give the Illini another championship-contending squad.

Come 2025, Fears would potentially be playing alongside 2022 4-stars Skyy Clark, Ty Rodgers, Jayden Epps, and Sincere Harris – who would all be seniors if they were to stick around.  Add 2024 commits Morez Johnson and ZZ Clark to the mix, and Illini Nation could be watching the most talented roster since the 2005-06 season.

Fears is well-equipped for a point guard, as he’s been praised by multiple scouts.

Scout Bruce Williams pointed out Fears’ quick burst, deep range, and elite ability to finish under the basket when noting his 42-point performance.

Prep Hoops’ Senior Scouting Director Scott Burgess praised Fears for his speed, passing abilities, and his clamps on the defensive end.

It is way too early to even consider a commitment decision for Fears, but it is not too early to think about him representing the Orange and Blue.