Top freshmen Dylan Harper and Jeremiah Fears enter NBA draft

On April 1, 2025, Rutgers freshman Dylan Harper announced his decision to leave college basketball and enter the NBA draft during an appearance on ESPN's "NBA Today." The 6-foot-6 point guard had an impressive freshman season, averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. His notable performances included scoring 36 points against Notre Dame and an overtime victory against Washington where he scored 34 points. Harper is projected to be drafted soon after Duke's Cooper Flagg, indicating his potential to make an immediate impact in the NBA. Also declaring for the NBA draft was Oklahoma freshman Jeremiah Fears, who announced his decision via social media post on April 2, 2025. Standing at 6-foot-4, Fears averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists during his standout season, which culminated in the Sooners reaching the NCAA Tournament. His breakout games, including a 26-point showing against Arizona and a memorable late-game four-point play against Michigan, contributed significantly to his reputation as a prospective lottery pick. He expressed gratitude towards coach Porter Moser and the support from the Oklahoma fan base throughout his journey. The early declaration into the NBA draft by both athletes highlights a growing trend among young players who opt for professional careers after showing promise during their college years. As they leave their respective colleges, both Dylan Harper and Jeremiah Fears are expected to draw considerable attention in the upcoming draft, where several analysts indicate they will be highly sought after. This season has seen a number of freshmen making headlines as they declare for the draft, showcasing the strong talent pool available to NBA teams. The involvement of former Oklahoma star Trae Young in Fears’ journey adds another layer of interest, as Young was the fifth overall pick in the 2018 draft and has maintained contact with Fears, offering advice and encouragement. As both players proceed with their NBA aspirations, the spotlight on their progress will continue, emphasizing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by emerging talents in collegiate basketball.