Jeremy Fears Jr. reveals key factor that'll determine if he stays in NBA Draft or returns to MSU

Jeremy Fears Jr. has been rising up the NBA Draft boards during this week's combine workouts, but will it be enough of a lift for him to leave Michigan State early? He provided some insight into what will be a main factor in his decision on either staying in the draft or returning for another season with the Spartans.

Fears has been one of the standouts during the NBA Combine this week, especially during the recent scrimmage sessions based on reports. This recent stretch of impressive play has some Spartans (including myself) getting nervous on whether or not he'll remain in the NBA Draft. Well, it sounds like there is one clear cut thing Fears is seeking to tilt his decision one way or another -- a first round grade.

Fears spoke with Andy Katz of the Big Ten Network during combine media sessions and stated he'll need to receive some "good feedback" in order to remain in the NBA Draft. He later stated he believes he's a first round talent, suggesting he'll only stay in the draft if he's confident enough he'll land there.

"If I'm able to get some good feedback," Fears said of what'll play into his decision to remain in NBA Draft or return to Michigan State for another season. "I know I'm a first round talent. There's a lot of players in the first round that I've played against or have seen throughout college, but that's a big thing (in my decision) if I can get a first round spot. I would love, and my dream is to, play professional basketball in the NBA. That's a big dream. If not, then I'll go back to college and work my way up and get that."

In talking about the potential of returning to Michigan State, Fears shared his excitement for what the Spartans are building. He told Katz he believes Michigan State has a "good group" coming back and can build upon what they achieved last season -- which resulted in a Sweet 16 exit of the NCAA Tournament.

"We got a really good group with everyone coming back and bringing in a transfer," Fears said when asked about what Michigan State is shaping up to be next season. "Just overall a great group of guys and being able to build upon what was started last year."

Fears had a breakout season in 2025-26, averaging 15.2 points and 9.4 assists per game. He earned multiple All-American honors and will surely be considered in the mix for preseason Big Ten Player of the Year next season (should he return to college).

If Fears were to leave for the NBA, I wouldn't fault him because that means he's confident he'll be a first round pick and that's quite frankly hard to turn down. The latest mock drafts I've seen still have him as a mid-second round pick so I personally feel like we should be seeing him back in the green-and-white for next season. But if his rise continues at this current rate, then we very well could have seen the last of Fears in a Spartans' uniform.

Watch the full interview of Fears below -- courtesy of the Big Ten conference.

Jeremy Fears Jr. talked NBA Draft and @MSU_Basketball’s upcoming season with @TheAndyKatz at the combine 💪 pic.twitter.com/ipTJBd32go— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) May 14, 2026

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Jeremy Fears Jr. reveals key factor that'll determine if he stays in NBA Draft or returns to MSU