Tom Izzo not ruling out return of Jeremy Fears this season

Tom Izzo gave an update on Jeremy Fears on Tuesday and he’s not ruling out a return to the court for the freshman this year.

Tom Izzo addressed the media today before his team’s practice to talk about a lot of topics as they prepare for No. 13 Wisconsin. One thing he discussed was the progress Jeremy Fears has made in his recovery.

Fears suffered a gunshot injury to his leg on Dec. 23 back in his hometown. The team was on a short holiday break when this incident occurred while Fears was at a friend’s house.

Here is what Tom Izzo shared regarding Fears and his recovery.

He has made “incredible progress”

During his time with the media on Tuesday, Izzo shared that Jeremy has made “incredible progress” since suffering this injury. When something like this happens, basketball doesn’t matter anymore. All you want to hear is that he is progressing towards a full recovery and can hopefully get back on the court at a later date. By the sounds of it, that is exactly what is happening with Fears.

Kyle Austin with MLive also shared in a post that Izzo still doesn’t know if Fears will return this season.

Izzo said Jeremy Fears has made "incredible progress" in his recovery but said he still has no idea if he'll return this year or not.

— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) January 23, 2024

We only have about two months of season left, so I find it unlikely that Fears does return this year. But like I said, that shouldn’t be a concern, the main goal should be a full recovery so he can play at the start of next season.

Jeremy Fears’ season in review

Before this injury, Fears was averaging 3.5 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 rebounds per game. As a freshman seeing about 15 minutes per game, these stats are pretty solid. Fears best game came in his last outing before the injury against Stony Brook. He may have only scored one point, but he contributed a career-high 10 assists and five rebounds. Ten assists is impressive no matter who you are, so for Fears to do that so early in his career shows how much potential he has.

I wish nothing but the best for Fears in his recovery. Whether he returns later this season or next year, I  can’t wait to hear the roar from the Breslin Center crowd once he finally steps foot on the court again.