ESPN's Stephen A. Smith says a lot, but on Wednesday night, Jeremiah Fears was who Smith was yelling about the most.
The New Orleans Pelicans took Fears, a former Oklahoma point guard, with the No. 7 overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft. Smith raved about Fears throughout the night, but after he was drafted, Smith made the bold proclamation that Fears would be "the second coming of Kyrie Irving."
Stephen A. Smith compares Jeremiah Fears to Kyrie Irving
Irving, who was the top overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft out of Duke, is a nine-time NBA All-Star and 2016 NBA champion during his 15-year career. He was also NBA Rookie of the Year in 2012. If Fears even comes close to Irving's accomplishments in the NBA, he would solidify himself as the greatest pro basketball player in OU history. He would also be a future Hall of Famer for the Pelicans.
Those watching the NBA Draft took notice of Smith's high praise of Fears.
No one is a bigger fan of Jeremiah Fears than Stephen A. Smith. Maybe @OUhoopsFanGreg.
— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) June 26, 2025
Hey guys I think Stephen A Smith likes Jeremiah Fears, just a hunch tho
— Adam☘️ (@CelticsAdam34) June 26, 2025
Do you think Stephen A. Smith likes Jeremiah Fears?
— ℝ𝕪𝕒𝕟 (@RyanPros_FF) June 26, 2025
I’m a little behind in the draft but crazy I finally agree with something Stephen A Smith is sayin.. Jeremiah Fears is SPECIAL.. He will be the 2nd best player in this draft behind Cooper Flagg.. Pelicans got a steal..
— Brad Konwinski (@SlimSparty) June 26, 2025
Smith's admiration of Fears isn't anything new and not just something Smith threw out there on draft night for views and reactions, though. He's even made the Irving comparison before on ESPN. Fears even agreed with Smith's comp on social media.
Stephen A. Smith has been outspoken about his opinion on Jeremiah Fears, recently comparing him to Kyrie Irving.🔮
— GREENLIGHT MEDIA (@greenlightbball) June 25, 2025
Looks like Fears agrees with the comp👀
👇👇👇 pic.twitter.com/aIAwoT8yoN
Fears earned Smith's respect during this past college basketball season, especially with his performance against UConn in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Despite the loss, Fears was still exceptional with 20 points, five rebounds, four rebounds and two steals while turning the ball over only twice in his final college basketball game.
In the midst of March Madness, Smith went to social media even then to praise Fears.
People’s, I don’t know who’s gonna win this @UConnMBB vs @OU_MBBall basketball game. It’s that close/thrilling. But I DO KNOW there is a star who’s busted onto the scene. His name is @jeremiahfears2. This brother is something special. And I’m not just saying that because we share…
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) March 22, 2025
Smith is more famous for his loudly negative takes, but he's been nothing but positive about Fears, who led the Sooners with 17.1 points a game as a freshman.
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