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Michigan State's Jeremy Fears declares for NBA draft with option to return
Spartans star guard will test the waters while maintaining college eligibility
Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:37pm
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A Spartans star's NBA draft declaration opens new possibilities for his future on and off the court.East Lansing TodayJeremy Fears, a standout guard for the Michigan State Spartans, has announced that he will declare for the 2026 NBA draft while retaining the option to return to school for his senior season. Fears was an AP All-Big Ten first-team selection and an AP All-America second-team pick after averaging 15 points and 9.4 assists per game in his third year with the Spartans.
Why it matters
Fears' decision to enter the NBA draft process is a significant move for the Spartans, as he was the team's leading scorer and the national leader in assists per game last season. His choice to maintain his college eligibility gives him the opportunity to gather feedback from NBA teams and evaluate his draft prospects before making a final decision on his future.
The details
Fears announced his decision to declare for the NBA draft on his Instagram account on Friday. By applying to the NBA's undergraduate advisory committee by the April 20th deadline, Fears can receive feedback on his draft prospects to help him decide whether to remain in the draft or return to Michigan State. Players who choose to return to school must withdraw from the draft by May 27.
- Fears announced his decision to declare for the NBA draft on April 10, 2026.
- The NBA's undergraduate advisory committee deadline is April 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
- The deadline for players to withdraw from the NBA draft and return to school is May 27, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
The players
Jeremy Fears
A standout guard for the Michigan State Spartans, Fears was an AP All-Big Ten first-team selection and an AP All-America second-team pick after averaging 15 points and 9.4 assists per game in his third season with the team.
Tom Izzo
The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team.
What they’re saying
“This is an important step in my journey and I'm looking forward to learning, growing and competing against the best as I continue to develop my game. I'm grateful for Coach (Tom) Izzo, the Michigan State staff, my teammates and my family for their continued support and belief in me.”
— Jeremy Fears
What’s next
Fears will apply to the NBA's undergraduate advisory committee by the April 20th deadline to receive feedback on his draft prospects. He will then have until May 27 to decide whether to remain in the draft or withdraw and return to Michigan State for his senior season.
The takeaway
Jeremy Fears' decision to enter the NBA draft process while maintaining his college eligibility demonstrates his desire to explore professional opportunities while also keeping the door open to return to Michigan State for another season. This move allows Fears to gather valuable feedback and insight from NBA teams as he weighs his next steps.
