Jeremy Fears Jr. had himself quite the game against Louisville, posting a 12-point, 16-assist double-double to lead Michigan State to the Sweet 16 for a second straight year.
His performance was one of the best by a Spartan point guard in a long time, and his 16 assists put him in the same conversation as guys like Magic Johnson and Denzel Valentine.
The sophomore point guard was the epitome of unselfish against Louisville.
Fears spoke about his performance following the game and cited that he believes that Michigan State is “Point Guard University”.
"Just Point Guard University,” Fears said with Tom Izzo right by his side. “Coach has said to me he’s had great point guards before me and I’m just trying to keep it going. Overall, you know, it’s my teammates. They’re making the shots and doing the hard work, I’m just getting them the ball."Jeremy Fears Jr.
Calling Michigan State “Point Guard University” is definitely warranted, especially when you consider the elite guys that have come through the program just under Tom Izzo alone. He’s coached Mateen Cleaves, Kalin Lucas, Drew Neitzel, Denzel Valentine, Travis Trice, and Cassius Winston. Now there’s Fears.
That last sentence is what sets Fears apart from the rest of the elite players in college basketball. While we see plenty of unselfish players, there aren’t many superstar players like Fears who will give all their credit to teammates, saying “I’m just getting them the ball”.
That’s as unselfish as it gets. You just know his haters are furious that he’s actually a good guy.
Fears was also asked what his favorite part about getting assists is, and his answer proved even further that he’s more unselfish than he gets credit for. He said that his favorite part about getting an assist is seeing his teammates succeed and the joy on their faces when there’s a huge dunk or a big three on one of his assists. He likes watching his friends have success.
The spotlight on Jeremy Fears Jr. hasn’t been the most fair
These are probably quotes that won’t make it out of the presser when you look at national media coverage of this game. You’ll never hear about Fears praising his teammates or giving them credit for all their success that he’s been having because there’s been a pushed agenda.
Following the “dirty” plays against Michigan and Minnesota, Fears developed a reputation and college basketball fans began making mountains out of a single mole hill.
Every single play was dissected and reviewed and even common plays were called “dirty” by rival fans even though there wasn’t anything dirty happening nor did Fears intend it that way.
Fears is an emotional basketball player who lives and breathes the game, so he can get caught up in his emotions every now and then, but he’s far from a dirty player. Fortunately, he’s been remaining out of the negative spotlight to begin the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Let’s hope these positive quotes are shared to help clean up that national image.