Michigan State recruit Jeremy Fears Jr. is returning to Joliet West

Jeremy Fears Jr. is coming home.

The Joliet native will return to Joliet West for his senior year.

Earlier this month Fears announced he was planning to leave La Lumiere, a prep school in Indiana, and join Overtime Elite, an Atlanta-based basketball league. But he changed his mind just as the school year begins.

“I feel like it is meant to be,” Fears said. “I just really wanted to play with my brother this season.”

Fears committed to Michigan State in January and is currently ranked as the No. 39 player in the Class of 2023 according to 247sports.com. His younger brother, Jeremiah Fears, is one of the top sophomores in the state and already has offers from several high-major colleges.

“His heart was set on staying home and playing with his brother,” Jeremy Fears Sr. said. “It’s going to be great to see those two play together. Every game might be standing room only.”

Fears left Joliet West after his freshman year due to uncertainty over whether or not there would be a 2020-21 basketball season due to COVID. He transferred to La Lumiere and eventually rose to prominence as one of the top players in the country.

Fears spoke with Michigan State coach Tom Izzo about his decision.

“[Izzo] said he was happy for me and wanted me to enjoy my last year of high school in Joliet with my family,” Fears said.

Fears has won two gold medals with USA Basketball. This summer he scored 17 points and had six assists in the title game against Spain.

The Tigers have several high-level opponents scheduled this season, including an opener against St. Rita in Washington, IL. Joliet West was already considered a preseason Super 25 team. Fears returning amps expectations up to a much higher level.

“The goal is definitely to go undefeated,” Fears said. “But it’s basketball. You win some and lose some. We want to get downstate and win a state championship.”