Jeremy Fears Jr., the talented point guard for the Michigan State Spartans, has faced his fair share of challenges on the road to college basketball. In a recent interview, Fears opened up about his remarkable recovery process and the mindset that has kept him positive throughout it all.
The Incident and Recovery
Fears' collegiate career got off to a rocky start when he suffered a significant leg injury after being shot in late December of his freshman season. The details of the incident were still "blurry" for Fears, but he remembers the long road to recovery that followed.
The initial prognosis was a 3-6 month timeline to get back on the court, and Fears dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the rehabilitation process. He spent countless hours lifting weights and going through physical therapy, slowly regaining strength and mobility in his leg.
What could have been a devastating setback was met by Fears with an unwavering positive attitude. "I honestly got blessed," he said. "It was a minor incident, and I'm still able to play basketball. I'm back healthy 100% now."
Fears' resilience and maturity shone through as he navigated the mental aspect of the recovery as well. Building that trust and confidence back in his body was crucial, but Fears never lost sight of the big picture. "I can't really control what happened," he explained. "I just have to continue playing and keep doing me."
The Gift of an Extra Year
One of the silver linings to Fears' situation was the opportunity to redshirt his freshman season and preserve a year of eligibility. This means he will technically be a freshman again this upcoming season, giving him the chance to truly establish himself at the collegiate level.
"Just being able to be here again, another opportunity, can't really ask much more," Fears said. He recognizes the value in having that extra year to develop his game and acclimate to the college game.
The prospect of potentially teaming up with his younger brother, who recently decommitted from Illinois, has Fears excited about the future. While he knows it may not ultimately work out, the idea of playing alongside family at the highest level is enticing.
Embracing the Underdog Mentality
After the high expectations surrounding Michigan State last season, the Spartans find themselves in a bit of an underdog role heading into the 2023-24 campaign. Fears embraces this shift in narrative, believing his team has the talent and hunger to surprise a lot of people.
"We have a unique group and everybody's a competitor, and everybody wants to win," Fears said. "Everybody's got to find a way to win and make winning plays."
Names like Jaxon Kohler, Xavier Booker, and Carson Cooper have Fears particularly excited about the team's potential. He believes these players, along with the incoming freshmen, are primed for breakout seasons and will help Michigan State "get back to Michigan State basketball."
As for his own goals, Fears is keeping the focus internal, prioritizing his continued recovery and development over individual statistical targets. His sights are set on team accomplishments like winning the Big Ten and making a deep NCAA Tournament run.
Fears' unwavering positivity and determination have been invaluable throughout his journey. Now, as he embarks on his first full season of collegiate basketball, he is poised to leave a lasting legacy as a Spartan - one defined by winning, leadership, and an unbreakable spirit.
Watch the full Jeremy Fears Jr. interview here
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