SUMMARY
- Mark Sears currently plays for the University of Alabama and is considered as one of the school's greatest players ever.
- Sears previously competed for Ohio University before joining Alabama in 2022.
There’s a new talk in town and it’s all about Mark Sears. He’s been one of the most incredible competitors in the NCAA men’s division. Some wonder if there is anything he cannot do on the floor. While he is dominant in his way, many believe that he looks exactly like Jalen Brunson of the NBA. Incredibly, he shoots and plays exactly like the New York Knicks phenom. But let’s take a look into who Sears is.
FROM THE PARKING LOT
MARK SEARS OH MY GODDD pic.twitter.com/Ba6Dw1yWsB
— Nick Perkins (@NickyPerkss) March 31, 2024
The Alabama Crimson Tide point guard began his high school journey at Muscle Shoals High School. He quickly established himself as a top-tier scorer of the ball. Sears managed to lead Muscle Shoals to a Northwest Regional Championship against Bessemer City High School. But before commencing his senior year, Sears transferred to Hargrave Military Academy. There, he lead his team to a 37-4 record while making the semifinals of the Prep National Championship.
Mark Sears is one of the most accomplished University of Alabama players
Before joining the University of Alabama in 2022, Mark Sears began his college journey at Ohio University. During his first season with the Bobcats, Sears averaged 8.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists coming off the bench. Eventually, he earned himself a starting role in 2021 after Jason Preston declared for the NBA Draft in 2021. That year, he averaged 19.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while earning himself an All-MAC First-Team selection.
Before his sophomore season, it is claimed that Sears put in a lot of work to improve his shot-making ability. He attempted 15,000 three-pointers to help develop his skills. Eventually, he entered the transfer portal and joined Alabama. After his junior year, Sears was stuck between going pro or returning to college. He chose the latter and led the Crimson Tide to its first-ever Final Four appearance.
During the 2022-23 season, he ranked second in team scoring, first in steals, and third in the SEC Conference in free throw percentage. He appeared as a starter in all 37 games played. He has recorded multiple double-doubles while making the 11th most three-pointers in the SEC.
Mark Sears withdrew from participating in the 2023 NBA Draft
Before returning to Alabama for the 2023-24 season, Mark Sears made a huge decision by declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft. Most players of his age forego their college eligibility and begin their professional careers early. However, it didn’t make much sense for the Sears at the time. Alabama already had two players including Brandon Miller who were ranked amongst the top 30 players in the country. However, Sears didn’t make the cut.
Mark Sears dropped 23 to lead Bama to its first Final Four appearance in school history 🐘 pic.twitter.com/hcQqGc6uAn
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) March 31, 2024
That was the biggest and most likely reason he chose to withdraw and play another year at Alabama. As a senior, Mark has averaged 21.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists which is his best season. He was also one of the top 15 finalists for the Wooden Award in 2024. Sears has better chances of being a top pick now than he did in 2023.