Jeremy Fears Jr. Was '100% In' For the NBA, So What Does His MSU Return Actually Mean?

Okay, so get this: while you were probably glued to the NBA Draft, Michigan State's All-American point guard, Jeremy Fears Jr., was out there dropping dimes at the Moneyball Pro-Am, setting up a game-winning bucket. This guy, who led the nation in assists, took his Spartans to 27 wins and a Sweet 16. Fears initially declared for the NBA Draft back on April 10, right? But after nearly seven weeks making his case, he pulled out on May 27. He was "100% in," even saying he believes he's an NBA player, so his return to East Lansing isn't just big, it's a statement.

The NBA Dream Deferred: Fears' Big Call

Can you imagine being 100% sure you're ready for the NBA, only to step back? That's what Fears did. He kept his college eligibility when he declared, sure, but he's adamant this wasn't some trial run for 2027. He meant it. He says NBA feedback was "good," and he felt it "could've went either way." Fears even measured a solid 6 feet tall with a 6-foot-4 wingspan at the NBA Combine, helping silence any size doubters. So when he decided to come back, you know it was a tough call, but one he's "grateful to be back and with my guys" for. This isn't just another player coming back; this is an All-American who genuinely believes he belongs in the pros deciding to run it back. That's gotta fire up the locker room, right?

Spartan Football: Video Game Numbers vs. Coach Fitz's Vision

Switching gears for a se

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c, let's talk about the gridiron. EA Sports just dropped their 'College Football 27' team ratings, and if you're a cutthroat competitor, you might be a little bummed for Michigan State. The Spartans clocked in with an 80 on offense, an 81 on defense, and an 80 overall. That puts them right in the middle of the Big Ten, rubbing shoulders with teams like Arkansas and Iowa. Oregon's out there leading the conference with a 91. The game, by the way, drops July 9, and Sparty's even in the mascot mode. After a tough 4-8 campaign that cost Jonathan Smith his job, new head coach Pat Fitzgerald is stepping in. Fitzgerald, the former Northwestern coach, is clearly pumped, even with those middling video game numbers. He's talking about how "exciting the way that they're investing" and "grinding," emphasizing competitive depth and how this summer's workouts are the "most important phase of team development." He's trying to build something serious, not just chasing a video game rating.

What's Next for the Spartans?

So, for the football team, it all kicks off September 4 at home against Toledo. Coach Fitzgerald's got a huge task ahead, especially after only one winning season and one bowl appearance since Dantonio's exit. As for hoops, with Fears back in the fold, leading the charge, you know the expectation is through the roof. He's got that pro dream, and he's bringing that drive back to the Spartans. He's gonna be playing with a massive chip on his shoulder, and that's exactly what MSU needs. Get ready, folks!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.