Mark Sears Faces Uncertainty as NBA Draft Approaches

Three years ago, Mark Sears committed to head coach Nate Oats and the Alabama Crimson Tide, quickly making his mark as one of the most promising young stars in college basketball. Now, as his college career concludes, Sears is awaiting feedback from NBA scouts as he prepares for the NBA Combine in May and the 2025 NBA Draft in June.

Despite a standout 2023-24 season, in which he averaged 21.5 points per game on 50.8% shooting and 43.6% from beyond the arc, Sears’ draft stock has taken a hit. Initially projected as a borderline first-round pick or a lock for the second round, his shooting percentages have dipped to 40.3% from the field and 34.5% from three-point range. These struggles have raised questions about his potential at the next level, leading to a drop in his draft stock.

While Sears’ shooting woes have made his path to the NBA less certain, his accomplishments with Alabama cannot be overlooked. In his final season, he led the Crimson Tide to back-to-back appearances in the Elite Eight, following their historic Final Four run in 2024. His performances during the regular season and earlier tournament rounds showcased his abilities as a dynamic scorer and leader on the floor. Notably, in the Sweet 16, Sears put on a dazzling performance, scoring 34 points and hitting 10 three-pointers, setting an NCAA Tournament record for most triples in a single game.

However, his struggles were apparent in the Elite Eight, where he managed only six points on 2-of-12 shooting in a tough loss to Duke. When facing elite-level defenders, such as in the games against Auburn and Duke, Sears averaged just 11 points per game on a dismal 23.7% shooting, including only four three-pointers. These performances have raised concerns about his consistency when matched up with high-level NBA defenders.

As Sears awaits the next steps in his career, his journey to the NBA remains uncertain. His ability to impress scouts at the NBA Combine could determine whether he hears his name called during the draft. If he can regain his shooting touch and prove his potential against elite competition, Sears could still have a future in the NBA. However, if his shooting inconsistencies persist, he may need to focus on developing his game further before making the leap to professional basketball.

Ultimately, the next few months will be critical for Sears as he looks to prove himself worthy of an NBA roster spot.