The Big Ten is loaded with talent, from top to bottom. Why else do you think six teams from the conference, including Michigan State, are getting set to play in the Sweet 16 this weekend.
If you made one of the All-Big Ten teams this season, you know you’re one of the best players in the country. The best players in the best conference in America will be taking the court this weekend, and Michigan State’s best players, Jeremy Fears Jr., needs to be on his A-game if the Spartans want to advance to Tom Izzo’s ninth Final Four.
If Fears does put on a show this weekend, he may just turn some NBA scouts’ heads. He’s not necessarily a threat to leave for the NBA after this season, but according to an ESPN ranking of the Big Ten’s top draft prospects, he could very well leave after next year.
Fears is ranked in the top 15 in terms of Big Ten draft prospects.
Top 15 NBA Draft Prospects in the Big Ten, according to ESPN. pic.twitter.com/nQeCzbWQ4P
— The Big Ten Huddle 🎙️ (@TheBigTenHuddle) March 25, 2026
It’s not surprising to see Fears on a list like this, especially since he’s developed into an All-American this season, but I don’t think he’ll be a threat to leave until he can develop a consistent 3-point shot. You don’t see many smaller point guards making it in the NBA, especially if they’re not long-range threats. NBA teams don’t love playing 5-on-4 offensively.
Fortunately, Fears is developing at an elite rate, and one more offseason and full season of improvement could just turn him into a first-rounder in 2027.
Jeremy Fears Jr. has NBA characteristics
When you look at point guards who are trying to make that NBA leap, they all have a lot of the same qualities. They’re smart, they make good decisions, they’re elite passers, they can defend, and they can score at all levels. Oh, and they’re usually really good leaders.
Fears has almost every single one of those characteristics, but he’s missing a consistent scoring touch from all levels. He can get to the rim, he can make the occasional three, and he’s really improved that mid-range game. If he adds a floater, improves his finishing around the rim, and shoots around 30-35 percent from deep, he’s a first-round prospect.
Luckily for Izzo and Michigan State fans, he’ll need at least one more year for that.