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Mark Sears
View on WikipediaMark Christopher Sears (born February 19, 2002) is an American professional basketball player for the Wisconsin Herd of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Ohio Bobcats and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Key Information
Early life and high school career
[edit]Sears was born on February 19, 2002 in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.[1] He began his career at Muscle Shoals High School where as a junior in February 2019, he recorded 31 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in a 64–52 win over Bessemer City High School in the Class 6A Northwest Regional championship.[2] In 2019, he transferred to Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia.[3] As a senior, Sears averaged 14 points, three assists and five rebounds per game and helped lead Hargrave to the Final 4 of the National Prep Championship with a 37–4 overall record. He committed to playing college basketball for Ohio.[4]
College career
[edit]Ohio
[edit]As a freshman, Sears came off the bench and began to see more minutes after Jason Preston was sidelined with a leg injury.[5] Sears averaged 8.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, earning MAC All-Freshman Team honors.[6] After Preston declared for the 2021 NBA draft following the season, Sears was named the team's starting point guard going into his sophomore season. In the offseason, he worked on improving his shooting by attempting 15,000 three-point shots.[5] On December 21, 2021, Sears scored 33 points in an 85–70 win over USC Upstate.[7] He scored a career-high 37 points on March 21, 2022, in a 91–86 loss to Abilene Christian in the College Basketball Invitational.[8] Sears was named to the First Team All-MAC after the 2021–22 season.[9] As a sophomore, he averaged 19.6 points, six rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. On March 30, 2022, Sears entered the transfer portal.[10]
Alabama
[edit]On April 8, 2022, Sears announced that he had committed to Alabama.[11] He averaged 12.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, helping Alabama capture the 2023 SEC regular season[12] and SEC Tournament[13] titles. Alabama earned the number one overall seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament and advanced to the Sweet 16. Sears was named to the Second Team All-SEC.[14] Following the season, he declared for the 2023 NBA draft before returning to Alabama for his senior year.[15] In his second season with the program, Sears averaged 21.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, leading Alabama in scoring. Alabama earned a 4-seed in the West regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. In the regional final against Clemson, Sears scored 23 points on 7-14 shooting from the three-point line to help Alabama advance to its first Final Four in program history.[16] Sears was voted to the First Team All-SEC[17] and Second Team All-America[18] teams. On May 29, 2024, Sears withdrew his name from the 2024 NBA draft to return to Alabama for his final year of collegiate eligibility.[19] Alabama entered the 2024-25 season as the number 2-ranked team in the AP poll.[20] Sears averaged 18.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 0.9 steals per game in his final season, leading the Crimson Tide in scoring and assists. In the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA tournament, Sears scored 34 points on 10-16 shooting from three in Alabama's win over BYU, a game in which the Crimson Tide broke the NCAA tournament record for three pointers in a game with 25.[21] Sears finished the season on the First Team All-SEC[22] and First Team All-America[23] teams. Sears finished his Alabama career as the program's second all-time leading scorer[24] and ended his college career as a whole as the 19th all-time leading scorer in men's Division I history.[25]
Professional career
[edit]After not being selected in the 2025 NBA draft, Sears signed a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.[26] He made seven appearances for Milwaukee, averaging 3.1 points, 0.3 rebounds, and 0.3 assists. On January 7, 2026, Sears was waived by the Bucks.[27]
On January 17, 2026, Sears signed with the Wisconsin Herd of the NBA G League.[28]
Career statistics
[edit]| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
College
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | Ohio | 24 | 5 | 19.5 | .467 | .279 | .851 | 2.8 | 3.4 | 1.0 | .0 | 8.5 |
| 2021–22 | Ohio | 35 | 35 | 35.7 | .444 | .408 | .884 | 6.0 | 4.1 | 1.7 | .1 | 19.6 |
| 2022–23 | Alabama | 37 | 37 | 29.8 | .406 | .345 | .847 | 3.5 | 2.6 | 1.2 | .1 | 12.5 |
| 2023–24 | Alabama | 37 | 37 | 33.6 | .508 | .436 | .857 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 1.6 | .1 | 21.5 |
| 2024–25 | Alabama | 37 | 37 | 32.3 | .403 | .345 | .844 | 2.9 | 5.1 | .9 | .1 | 18.6 |
| Career | 170 | 151 | 30.9 | .445 | .375 | .858 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 1.3 | .1 | 16.7 | |
Personal life
[edit]See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "NBA 2025 Draft Prospects | Mark Sears | NBA.com". NBA. Retrieved 2025-11-09.
- ^ Boyette, Daniel (February 20, 2019). "Muscle Shoals 64, Bessemer City 52: Trojans return to state for 1st time in 3 years". AL.com. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
- ^ Thomas, Craig (August 19, 2019). "Former Muscle Shoals star Mark Sears transferring to Hargrave Military Academy". TimesDaily. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
- ^ "Ohio Men's Basketball Set for Season Opening Multi-Team Event at Illinois". Ohio Bobcats. November 24, 2020. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
- ^ a b Gleckler, Jack (January 20, 2022). "Men's Basketball: How Mark Sears stepped into his role as a starter". The Post. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
- ^ Harkins, Lukas (September 2, 2021). "Ohio Basketball: Mark Sears set for sophomore breakout to lead Bobcats". Heat Check CBB. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
- ^ "Sears carries Ohio over South Carolina Upstate 85-70". ESPN. Associated Press. December 21, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
- ^ "Abilene Christian fends off scrappy Ohio in College Basketball Invitational quarterfinals". Abilene Reporter-News. March 21, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
- ^ "2021-22 Men's Basketball Postseason Awards Announced" (Press release). Mid-American Conference. March 8, 2022. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
- ^ Gleckler, Jack (March 30, 2022). "Men's Basketball: Mark Sears enters transfer portal". The Post. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
- ^ Kelly, Nick (April 8, 2022). "Alabama basketball lands Ohio transfer Mark Sears". Tuscaloosanews.com. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
- ^ "No. 2 Tide clinch regular-season title in OT win". SECSports.com. March 2, 2023. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ "SEC Tournament Champions! Alabama Defeats Texas A&M 82-63 to Win Second SEC Tournament Title in Three Years". RollTide.com. March 12, 2023. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ "Coaches select 2023 SEC men's basketball award winners". SECSports.com. March 7, 2023. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ Taylor, Cody (May 30, 2023). "Alabama guard Mark Sears to withdraw from draft, return for senior year". The Rookie Wire. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
- ^ "FINAL FOUR BOUND! Alabama Reaches its First-Ever Final Four with 89-82 Victory over Clemson". RollTide.com. March 31, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ "2024 SEC Men's Basketball Awards announced". SECSports.com. March 11, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ "The Associated Press 2023-24 men's college basketball All-America teams". AP. March 19, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ Givony, Jonathan (May 29, 2024). "Mark Sears to withdraw from NBA draft, return to Alabama". ESPN. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ Berger, Endia (October 14, 2024). "Kansas, Alabama, UConn lead men's basketball AP preseason poll". NCAA. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ Borzello, Jeff (March 27, 2025). "Alabama sets NCAA tournament record with 25 3-pointers vs. BYU". ESPN. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ "2025 SEC Men's Basketball Awards announced". SECSports.com. March 10, 2025. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ "The Associated Press 2024-25 men's college basketball All-America teams". AP. March 18, 2025. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ Melton, Matt (July 22, 2025). "Top 10 all-time leading scorers in Alabama basketball history". Roll Tide Wire. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ "Mark Sears". RollTide.com. Retrieved January 31, 2026.
- ^ Kelly, Nick (June 26, 2025). "Alabama star guard lands NBA contract". Al.com. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
- ^ "Milwaukee Bucks Waive Mark Sears". nba.com. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
- ^ "Waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, Mark Sears joins NBA G League affiliate". al.com. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
- ^ Mercer, Kevin. "Mark Sears leads Alabama to its first-ever Final Four: 'Give all honor and glory to God'". Sports Spectrum. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ "Mark Sears". Retrieved 4 April 2024.
External links
[edit]Mark Sears
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family background
Mark Sears was born on February 19, 2002, in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, a small city in the Shoals region near Florence.[13] He grew up in this close-knit community, where the local environment fostered a strong appreciation for sports, including basketball, through community leagues and school programs.[14] Sears is the son of Chad and Lameka Sears; Chad, a former All-State quarterback and star basketball player at Russellville High School who later played football at the University of North Alabama, instilled a competitive athletic spirit in the household.[15][8] Lameka, a registered nurse, provided steadfast support alongside her husband.[16] The family includes Sears' younger sister, Makenzie, who also plays basketball and attends Muscle Shoals High School.[8] The Sears family is deeply rooted in Christian faith, which has been a cornerstone of their life and Sears' personal motivation from an early age.[17] His parents emphasized church attendance and spiritual growth, leading to family prayers before games, even over the phone during his college years.[17] Sears has cited his faith, particularly Jeremiah 29:11, as a source of resilience during challenges, crediting it for guiding his development both on and off the court.[17] This upbringing influenced his early exposure to basketball, as he began dribbling a ball at age three in a home that valued athletic discipline and perseverance.[16]High school career
Sears attended Muscle Shoals High School in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, where he emerged as a standout basketball player. As a junior in 2019, he led the Trojans to the Class 6A state tournament for the first time in three years, highlighted by a performance in the Northwest Regional Championship where he scored 31 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and recorded five assists in a 64-52 victory over Bessemer City.[18][8] Prior to his senior year, Sears transferred to Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia, for a postgraduate season to enhance his recruitment prospects. As a cadet, he adapted to a rigorous military environment, living in barracks and enduring early-morning physical training during "Hell Week," synchronized marching drills, and disciplinary measures such as push-ups or "bullring" tours for infractions like missing uniform items. This structure instilled discipline and resilience, transforming Sears from a more reserved player into a confident leader, as he later reflected on the experience building his mental toughness for higher-level competition.[14] On the court at Hargrave, Sears averaged 14 points, three assists, and five rebounds per game while sharing a backcourt with eight future Division I players, contributing to a 38-4 team record and a berth in the Final Four of the National Prep Championship.[8][19] His time there was marked by intense practices and occasional late-night gym sessions, though the academy's emphasis on structure ultimately prepared him for collegiate demands, with coach Kevin Childress noting that surviving a year at Hargrave equips players for any college program.[14] As a three-star recruit, Sears drew interest from mid-major and select higher programs, including a Pac-12 offer, but committed to Ohio University on July 22, 2020, influenced by the hiring of his former Muscle Shoals coach, Lee Martin, as an assistant there.[20][21][22]College career
Ohio Bobcats (2021–2022)
Mark Sears began his college basketball career at Ohio University as a freshman during the 2020–21 season, appearing in 24 games with five starts while adjusting to the collegiate level. He averaged 8.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, shooting 46.7% from the field and 85.1% from the free-throw line.[6] His contributions earned him a spot on the Mid-American Conference (MAC) All-Freshman Team, recognizing his potential as a key guard despite limited minutes averaging 19.5 per game.[23] In his sophomore year of 2021–22, Sears emerged as a starter for all 35 games, averaging 35.7 minutes and leading the MAC in scoring with 19.6 points per game alongside 6.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists.[6] He shot 44.4% from the field and an improved 40.8% from three-point range, earning First-Team All-MAC honors and being named a finalist for the Lou Henson Award, which recognizes top mid-major players.[24][25] Sears was also selected to the NABC All-District team and won MAC Player of the Week honors four times, highlighting his consistent impact.[23] Notable performances included a 33-point outing in an 85–70 win over USC Upstate on December 21, 2021, and a career-high 37 points in a 91–86 loss to Abilene Christian during the College Basketball Invitational quarterfinals on March 21, 2022.[23][26] Sears played a pivotal role in Ohio's postseason run, scoring 24 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a 77–67 quarterfinal victory over Ball State in the MAC Tournament on March 10, 2022, though the Bobcats fell 67–61 to Kent State in the semifinals the following day.[27] Following the season, on March 30, 2022, Sears entered the NCAA transfer portal, later committing to Alabama as an Alabama native seeking a higher level of competition in the Southeastern Conference.[28]Alabama Crimson Tide (2022–2025)
After transferring from Ohio following his sophomore season, Mark Sears joined the Alabama Crimson Tide for the 2022–23 campaign, providing immediate depth as a guard in head coach Nate Oats' up-tempo offensive system.[8] Initially coming off the bench, Sears quickly adapted to the Southeastern Conference's physicality, contributing to a team that emphasized perimeter shooting and fast breaks.[29] In his junior year (2022–23), Sears averaged 12.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game across 37 appearances, earning Second-Team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press.[6] His efficient scoring, particularly from beyond the arc at 34.5%, helped Alabama secure a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, where the Crimson Tide advanced to the Sweet 16 before falling to San Diego State.[29] Sears' poise in high-stakes games, including 21 points against Texas A&M in the SEC Tournament, underscored his growing role as a reliable secondary option. Sears' senior season (2023–24) marked a breakout, as he assumed the primary ball-handling duties and led the team in scoring with 21.5 points, 4.0 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game in 37 outings.[6] Honored as a Consensus Second-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC, he orchestrated Alabama's offense with precision, dishing out double-digit assists in key matchups like the 10-assist performance against Vanderbilt.[30] Under his leadership, the Crimson Tide reached the Final Four for the first time since 2008, defeating Clemson in the Elite Eight before a semifinal loss to UConn; Sears averaged 22.3 points in the tournament, including 24 against North Carolina in the Sweet 16. As a graduate student in 2024–25, Sears maintained elite production, averaging 18.6 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds over 37 games while shooting 40.3% from the field and 84.4% from the free-throw line.[31] He garnered Consensus First-Team All-American status, along with First-Team All-SEC, NABC First-Team All-America, AP First-Team All-America, and a Top 5 finish in the Wooden Award voting.[8] Sears' versatility shone in signature performances, such as 35 points against Missouri on February 19 and 34 points with 10 three-pointers in a tournament-record-tying output versus BYU in the Sweet 16.[32] Alabama again reached the Elite Eight as a No. 2 seed, defeating Robert Morris and Saint Mary's in early rounds before a 85-65 loss to Duke, extending the program's streak of three consecutive Sweet 16 appearances and two Elite Eight runs in that span.[33] Over three seasons at Alabama, Sears amassed 1,950 points (19th in program history), 435 assists, and 393 rebounds in 111 games, solidifying his legacy as a cornerstone of the Tide's resurgence.[6] Notable milestones included a career-high 10 assists on January 4 against No. 12 Oklahoma, where he also scored 22 points to surpass 1,500 points at Alabama.[34] His evolution from reserve contributor to the program's all-time leader in three-point attempts per game reflected his seamless integration into Oats' motion offense, where he became the primary scorer and facilitator, boosting Alabama's national profile with back-to-back 25-win seasons.[35]Professional career
Milwaukee Bucks (2025)
After going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft despite a standout senior season at Alabama, where he averaged 21.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, Mark Sears signed a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks on July 3, 2025.[6][36] This deal allows him to split time between the Bucks and their NBA G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, providing opportunities for development as a 6-foot-1 guard. Sears made his NBA debut on October 26, 2025, during the Bucks' 113-118 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, entering in the fourth quarter for limited minutes without recording any statistics.[37] He scored his first NBA points on November 4, 2025, against the Toronto Raptors, contributing eight points in a 100-128 loss.[38] Over the course of the season, Sears appeared in seven games for the Bucks off the bench, averaging 3.1 points per game on 55.6% field goal shooting, focusing on spot-up opportunities and transition plays in a reserve role behind starters Damian Lillard and Patrick Baldwin Jr.[39] Assigned to the Wisconsin Herd for development, Sears excelled in the G League, averaging 19.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game over his appearances with the team during the 2025-26 season.[40] A highlight came on November 11, 2025, when he dished out 11 assists in a 107-110 loss to the Windy City Bulls, demonstrating his playmaking ability in pick-and-roll sets.[41] As a backup guard, Sears was being groomed for deeper NBA rotations to complement Milwaukee's championship-caliber system led by Giannis Antetokounmpo.[42] On January 7, 2026, the Bucks waived Sears from his two-way contract ahead of the league-wide salary guarantee date on January 10, 2026.[5] The team now has until March 4, 2026, to fill the open two-way slot if desired.[43]On-court profile
Playing style
Mark Sears, standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 185 pounds, is an undersized guard who lacks elite athleticism but excels through craftiness and basketball intelligence on the court.[6][44] His compact frame allows for quick changes in direction, enabling him to navigate tight spaces effectively despite not possessing explosive burst or vertical leap.[45] This physical profile positions him as a savvy operator rather than a dominant athlete, relying on skill to compensate for size disadvantages in matchups.[46] Offensively, Sears showcases elite footwork in pick-and-roll situations and isolation plays, using hesitations, crossovers, and step-backs to create separation as a left-handed guard.[46][44][47] His advanced scoring moves, including half-spins and body control to absorb contact, make him a crafty finisher at the rim and from midrange, while his perimeter shooting provides spacing—exemplified by his 43.6% three-point shooting on 5.9 attempts per game during the 2023-24 season at Alabama.[6] Sears also demonstrates improved playmaking, averaging 5.1 assists per game in his final college season, with the ability to deliver pocket passes, lobs, and kick-outs to shooters when defenses collapse.[46][6] Defensively, Sears faces significant limitations due to his size, struggling with on-ball guarding against taller wings and often getting targeted in switches or pick-and-roll coverages.[45][44] He compensates by relying on team schemes, positioning, and effort—averaging 0.9 steals per game as a senior—but lacks the length and lateral quickness to disrupt elite opponents consistently.[46][6] Overall, Sears fits as a productive scorer in NBA-style offenses, thriving in systems that leverage his quick decision-making and scoring versatility, much like undersized guards such as Jalen Brunson, though he offers less defensive versatility.[45][44] His evolution from Ohio University, where he averaged 8.5 points and shot 27.9% from three as a freshman in 2020-21 and improved to 19.6 points and 40.8% from three in 2021-22, to Alabama highlighted marked improvements in shooting efficiency and playmaking, transforming him into a high-IQ lead guard capable of leading high-major teams.[6][46]Career statistics
Mark Sears concluded his college career with 2,839 points across five seasons, ranking second in Alabama program history with 1,950 points scored during his three years with the Crimson Tide.[6][8] His scoring output progressed notably after transferring to Alabama, rising from 12.5 points per game as a sophomore to a peak of 21.5 as a junior, while his assists per game increased steadily from 2.6 to 5.1 over that span, reflecting his evolution into a primary playmaker.[6]College career statistics
Per game
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | Ohio | 24 | 5 | 19.5 | .467 | .279 | .851 | 2.8 | 3.4 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 8.5 |
| 2021–22 | Ohio | 35 | 35 | 35.7 | .444 | .408 | .884 | 6.0 | 4.1 | 1.7 | 0.1 | 19.6 |
| 2022–23 | Alabama | 37 | 37 | 29.8 | .406 | .345 | .847 | 3.5 | 2.6 | 1.2 | 0.1 | 12.5 |
| 2023–24 | Alabama | 37 | 37 | 33.6 | .508 | .436 | .857 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 1.6 | 0.1 | 21.5 |
| 2024–25 | Alabama | 37 | 37 | 32.3 | .403 | .345 | .844 | 2.9 | 5.1 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 18.6 |
| Career | 170 | 151 | 30.9 | .439 | .379 | .860 | 4.0 | 3.9 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 16.7 |
Totals
| Season | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | Ohio | 203 | 66 | 81 |
| 2021–22 | Ohio | 686 | 210 | 144 |
| 2022–23 | Alabama | 463 | 131 | 96 |
| 2023–24 | Alabama | 797 | 154 | 149 |
| 2024–25 | Alabama | 690 | 108 | 190 |
| Career | 2,839 | 669 | 660 |
Professional career statistics
NBA regular season (Milwaukee Bucks, 2025–26)
As of November 19, 2025, Sears has appeared in five games for the Bucks, averaging 3.8 points in limited minutes off the bench.[47]| GP | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4.2 | .556 | .600 | .750 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 3.8 |
NBA G League (Wisconsin Herd, 2025–26)
Sears has split time with the Bucks' affiliate, appearing in one game for the Herd as of November 19, 2025, where he recorded a double-double in assists despite inefficient shooting.[48]| GP | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 32.8 | .250 | .000 | .500 | 4.0 | 11.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 9.0 |
