Personal
Full Name: Jeremy Vann Fears
Birthdate: Sept. 22, 1985
Birthplace: Joliet, Ill.
Parents: Greg Fears and Brenda Tillman-Fears
Siblings: Sharay Tillman (34), Tamika Tillman (33), Greg Fears (26), Diedre Fears (24) and Robert Mitchell (21)
Major: Administration of Criminal Justice
High School Coach: Bill Winke
Honors & Awards
Mid-American Conference All-Freshman Team
2005
Mid-American Conference All-Tournament Team
2005
At Ohio University (2004-06)
? A member of the Mid-American Conference All-Freshman Team in 2005, Fears played in 19 games at Ohio last season before deciding to transfer.
? Averaged 10.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.9 steals per game during his 51-game career at Ohio.
? Scored 14 points in a season-high 35 minutes Dec. 30, 2005 versus #18 Kentucky.
? His career-best 33 points March 2, 2005 versus Buffalo were the most by a Bobcat freshman since Gary Trent pumped in 34 against Toledo March 11, 1993.
? As a freshman in 2004-05, Fears ranked sixth in the Mid-American Conference in steals, eighth in assists and 27th in scoring.
At Joliet Township H.S.
? Averaged 23.5 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals per game his senior season.
? Nominated for the McDonald’s All-America Team in 2004.
? Tallied 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists as a junior in 2002-03, earning first-team all-conference and all-area honors.
? Helped Joliet Township to a 29-2 record his sophomoe season and a berth in the 2002 IHSA super sectionals.
? In addition to his basketball success, Fears was an all-state performer on the grid iron.
Quick Answers
Most people don’t know this, but:
I was a lot better football player
The most famous person to attend my high school:
Eric Parker, San Diego Chargers
The first thing I thought when meeting Coach Les for the first time:
How did he play in the NBA?
My first memory of playing basketball:
When I was three, my brother took me to the outside courts
My favorite television sports broadcaster:
Andy Katz
The most bizarre event I have experienced:
Visiting Europe (Amsterdam)
Five Questions
with Jim Ruppert (State Journal-Register sports editor)
What will you do to fill the gap that will go with not being able to play in games this season?
I will work as hard as I can to be as mentally and physically touch as possible.
Before Bradley’s run through the postseason last spring, had you made up your mind to transfer to the Hilltop?
Before Bradley’s run, I was committed to the Iowa State Cyclones before my coach, Wayne Morgan, got fired.
Which NBA player has a game comparableto yours?
Coach (Les) said when he thinks of me Jason Kidd comes to mind.
You appear to be proud of your football exploits. What position did you play and did you ever consider playing college football?
I regret the fact that I didn’t consider it, because I was really good and everyone though I was a pro.
While you sit out the season as a transfer, which part of your game are you going to spend the most time trying to develop?
While I sit out I will spend the most time trying to develop a money shot.
