Bad news broke on Monday afternoon, as the Illinois basketball team lost a key piece to the future.
Positive vibes had been the only thing flowing in the Illini recruiting atmosphere. Things were going way too well for the Orange and Blue, but don’t worry, what goes up must come down.
On Monday afternoon, Jeremiah Fears took to social media to announce that he was backing away from his commitment to Illinois. He won’t be a part of the program any longer, and he states that his intentions were to be a part of this team in 2025.
“Please trust my full intention was to enter Champaign in the class of 2025 and help contribute to the continued ascension in the B1G10.”
Heartbroken.
— Writing Illini (@WritingIlliniFS) July 1, 2024
Good luck in the future, Jeremiah.#Illini https://t.co/3qv3f3NIXV
Fears was entering the Illinois basketball program as a four-star recruit who was the No. 32 player in the class of 2025. He was also the No. 6 combo guard in the country and the No. 2 player coming out of Arizona. Originally from Joliet, Illinois, Fears is now playing out in Compass Prep in Arizona.
Losing Jeremiah Fears from the Illinois basketball class of 2025 is extremely disappointing
I know it is all a part of the game of recruiting, but I thought Fears was a lock to be on the squad for at least the 2025-26 campaign. I believe he is reclassifying to the class of 2024, but I was really hoping to see him play in Champaign.
That isn’t going to happen, and it is massively disappointing. I imagine with Fears reclassifying, there just weren’t enough minutes on the roster.
Illinois has Kylan Boswell who will be a starter in the backcourt. Ty Rodgers started every game in the backcourt last season for the Illini. We also have Kasparas Jakucionis coming into the program. He is a freshman from overseas and is currently projected as a first-round NBA Draft pick.
I wish Fears nothing but the best moving forward, but this decision is extremely disheartening. Hopefully, we don’t have to see him on the schedule next season.