Mark Sears of Alabama Gets a Dismal NBA Draft Prediction
For Alabama guard Mark Sears, the journey to stardom in Tuscaloosa has been nothing short of inspiring. A small-town kid from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Sears worked his way from the Ohio Bobcats to leading one of college basketball’s premier programs to an Elite Eight appearance. His play throughout the 2024–25 season drew national attention, with clutch performances, dynamic scoring, and leadership that became synonymous with Alabama basketball’s success. However, as the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Sears is facing a new challenge—one he can’t solve with a three-pointer or a defensive stop.
According to several NBA scouts and analysts, Sears may not hear his name called in the first round of the draft—and some projections don’t include him in the second round either. For a player who dazzled fans, earned All-American recognition, and became the heart of Nate Oats’ high-octane offense, it’s a sobering forecast.
A Star in Crimson and White
Mark Sears’ 2024–25 campaign was nothing short of sensational. Averaging over 20 points per game while shooting above 45% from the field and nearly 41% from beyond the arc, Sears was the catalyst behind Alabama’s high-powered offense. He routinely delivered in big moments, including a game-winning three-pointer against Tennessee and a 30-point outburst in the Sweet 16. His poise, decision-making, and ability to create his own shot stood out all season.
Sears’ leadership qualities were also critical. While the Crimson Tide dealt with inconsistent defensive performances and a midseason slump, the senior guard remained steady. He was often the vocal presence in the locker room, rallying teammates and setting the tone in practice. Off the court, he embraced being a mentor to younger players like Jarin Stevenson and Kris Parker.
But in the eyes of NBA talent evaluators, college dominance doesn’t always translate to pro potential.
Why the NBA Isn’t Sold
Despite Sears’ college success, there are a number of concerns holding back his NBA stock. Standing 6-foot-1 without elite athleticism, Sears is seen as an undersized combo guard who may struggle to defend bigger, faster NBA players. Scouts question whether he has the burst to consistently blow by defenders or the length to finish at the rim against elite shot blockers.
An NBA Western Conference scout offered a blunt assessment: “He’s a great college player, but he’s not dynamic enough to run point full-time in the NBA, and he’s too small to play off the ball. You worry about what position he defends.”
One Eastern Conference executive echoed that sentiment: “Sears is tough, skilled, and experienced, but in our league, it’s about physical traits and upside. He’s already 23, and there’s not a lot of mystery left in his game.”
In recent years, the NBA has favored bigger guards who can switch on defense and play multiple roles on offense. The success of 6-foot-5+ guards like Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Suggs, and Josh Giddey has set a mold that Sears doesn’t quite fit.
Draft Boards Reflect the Doubt
Most major mock drafts have excluded Sears from their top 60 rankings, an ominous sign with the draft just weeks away. ESPN, The Athletic, and Bleacher Report all list him as a “potential Summer League invite” rather than a surefire draftee. CBS Sports recently ranked him 72nd on their big board, and DraftExpress left him out entirely.
Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report noted: “There’s a lot to like about Sears’ production and leadership, but his size, lack of elite tools, and questionable defensive ceiling put a cap on his appeal to NBA teams.”
Even in a draft class considered weaker at the top, the pool of fringe prospects with more perceived upside is working against Sears. International guards with raw skills but greater length, like Juan Nunez and Jean Montero, have leapfrogged him on many boards.
Comparisons to Past College Stars
Sears’ situation draws parallels to past college stars who struggled to find NBA homes. Names like Carsen Edwards, Shabazz Napier, and Jimmer Fredette come to mind—electric scorers in college whose size and style didn’t quite translate to the professional game.
Edwards, for instance, lit up March Madness for Purdue in 2019 but was unable to stick in the NBA. Napier had brief stints with multiple teams but never found a consistent role. Fredette, despite his fame, ultimately played more overseas than in the NBA.
That’s not to say Sears is doomed to follow the same path, but it does show how even highly productive college players can be overlooked if they don’t fit modern NBA archetypes.
The G-League and Overseas Path
If Sears does go undrafted, it won’t be the end of the road. Many players have used the G-League or international leagues as a springboard to NBA success. Miami Heat star Duncan Robinson and former Alabama standout Retin Obasohan are among those who carved unconventional paths to the league.
Sears has the kind of work ethic and personality that could help him thrive in those environments. He’s also a capable floor general who could be a valuable veteran presence in a G-League backcourt or an overseas club.
“He’ll be a pro somewhere,” said an SEC assistant coach. “There’s too much skill and character for him not to make a living playing this game. The NBA might not come right away, but he’ll keep fighting. That’s who he is.”
Nate Oats Stands by His Guy
Alabama head coach Nate Oats has repeatedly vouched for Sears throughout the draft process. In a recent interview, Oats highlighted Sears’ toughness, IQ, and clutch gene.
“Mark is one of the best players I’ve ever coached,” Oats said. “He’s the engine that made us go this year. I get that the NBA looks at age and athleticism, but I’d take him on my team every time. Somebody’s going to get a steal.”
Oats has also leaned into his NBA connections, helping facilitate workouts and meetings for Sears with teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, and Utah Jazz. Those franchises have been known to value mature, high-IQ players who fit specific systems.
Sears’ Mindset: Bet on Yourself
If the NBA Draft doesn’t go his way, don’t expect Sears to sulk. His entire basketball journey has been fueled by overcoming odds.
“I’ve never been the guy on the top of the list,” Sears said after Alabama’s season ended. “I wasn’t a five-star. I wasn’t supposed to even play at this level. But I work. I’ll keep working. I believe in myself, and I know I can play at the next level.”
That mindset has earned him respect from teammates and coaches alike. In today’s NIL-fueled transfer era, Sears stayed grounded, stayed focused, and led his team the old-fashioned way—with heart and hustle.
Could the Right Fit Change Everything?
While most teams may pass on Sears, there’s always a chance one organization sees the value in a veteran guard who can shoot, handle the ball, and lead a locker room. Franchises like the San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, and Miami Heat have histories of finding diamonds in the rough.
One NBA scout noted: “If he lands with the right team—somewhere with a great developmental program—he could be a backup point guard in the league. It just has to be the perfect situation.”
Some experts believe Sears could have a similar impact to players like Monte Morris or T.J. McConnell—both undersized guards who carved out long NBA careers by mastering the fundamentals and maximizing their roles.
Alabama Fans Still Believe
Even as the NBA doubts loom, the Alabama faithful remain firmly behind Sears. His legacy in Tuscaloosa is secure, with fans already calling him one of the most clutch players in program history. His jersey won’t be retired tomorrow, but his name will be remembered by a generation of fans who watched him lead with grace, grit, and a little swagger.
“He gave us everything,” one Alabama fan tweeted after the tournament. “Doesn’t matter what the NBA says—Mark Sears is a Bama legend.”
The NBA Draft is an unpredictable beast. Every year, some players rise and others fall—some vanish entirely. For Mark Sears, the odds are against him, but then again, they always have been.
His story isn’t just about where he gets drafted—or if he gets drafted at all. It’s about proving doubters wrong, representing his home state with pride, and giving every ounce of himself to the game he loves.
Whether he suits up in the NBA, the G-League, or overseas, Mark Sears will continue to do what he’s always done: compete, lead, and inspire.
