Mark Sears, an Alabama native, teams up with the Crimson Tide
Nate Oats and his staff at Alabama have combated departures of several players by dipping into the transfer portal and making a concerted effort there.
On Thursday, their efforts paid off as they landed a commitment from former Ohio University point guard Mark Sears. This was a quick decision for Sears as he entered the transfer portal just over a week ago; in fact, he recently opened up about some of the visits he planned on taking.
As for why the Crimson Tide came out on top in such a short period of time, Sears offered up the following to On3’s Joe Tipton.
“I picked Alabama because their style of play fits my game,” Sears told Tipton. “And I know I can be successful in that system.”
It also didn’t hurt Alabama that Sears grew up in Muscle Shoals, which is about two-plus hours from Tuscaloosa.
This past season, Sears averaged 19.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, good enough to earn him First-Team All-MAC honors. He came alive toward the tail end of the season by scoring 20 or more points in 11 of Ohio’s final 18 games.
This was a necessary addition for the Crimson Tide given the losses they’ve experienced recently. Alex Tchikou, Jusaun Holt, Juwan Gary, and Keon Ambrose-Hylton have all entered their names into the transfer portal.
J.D. Davison, Jahvon Quinerly, James Rojas, and Keon Ellis could all be gone as well; the latter three participated in Senior Day activities, while Davison could enter his name into the NBA Draft. Meanwhile, Jaden Shackelford did recently declare for the draft.
Could more transfers be on the way for Alabama?
With Sears on board, will more transfers be on the way for Nate Oats’ program? We believe that is very likely as the Crimson Tide are in the mix for other players in the portal.
The program recently played host to former Princeton point guard Jaelin Llewellyn for a visit. Llewellyn may also wind up taking a visit or two down the stretch as he searches for his new home, but Alabama remains a strong contender here.
There’s also former West Virginia forward Jalen Bridges. According to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, Bridges is slated to visit Alabama from April 15-17, running concurrently with the A-Day game that weekend.
Bridges, who recently took a visit to Ohio State, is expected to check out Baylor after his trip to Tuscaloosa. There’s a chance he gets up to Michigan State sometime as well.
For insider notes on Alabama’s pursuit of these prospects and more, click HERE.
Alabama currently has the No. 7 class in the country, with four top-100 2022 prospects — including five-star signee Brandon Miller — set to join the fold next season. Additions like Sears and potentially one or two others via the portal, however, will be crucial to the program’s success next season.
