In one of the most surprising twists of the 2025 NBA Draft, Alabama All-American guard Mark Sears went undrafted—but the story is far from over. Within hours, the Milwaukee Bucks snatched up the Muscle Shoals native, signing him to a two-way contract and opening a new chapter in what has already been a remarkable basketball journey.
Sears, who spent the last three seasons rewriting Alabama’s record books, leaves behind a legendary college career. The fiery guard was the heart and soul of the Crimson Tide, guiding them to the Final Four in 2024 and a return trip to the Elite Eight in 2025. His leadership, clutch shooting, and relentless drive made him a fan favorite and a locker-room cornerstone.
Despite his jaw-dropping numbers and postseason heroics, Sears’ name wasn’t called on draft night—an outcome that stunned many analysts and fans. But true to his gritty nature, the 6-foot-1 guard didn’t blink. Instead, he turned the moment into fuel, signing with a championship-contending Bucks team that values toughness, intelligence, and big-game experience.
His college career totals are staggering. With 2,841 career points, Sears ranks 19th in NCAA Division I history—a rare feat in the modern one-and-done era. That total includes 690 points in the 2024–25 season alone, the fourth-highest single-season total in Alabama program history.
Sears’ most iconic performance came in the 2025 NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16, when he exploded for 10 three-pointers in a win over BYU—setting a new Alabama NCAA Tournament record. It was the kind of electric display that makes scouts take notice, even if his name wasn’t on a draft card.
Before transferring to Alabama, Sears began his college career at Ohio University, where he quickly made a name for himself with his scoring touch and court vision. But it was at Alabama—back home in his native state—where he blossomed into a national star and one of the top guards in the country.
He earned All-American honors, multiple All-SEC selections, and was a finalist for national player of the year awards. But more importantly, he helped elevate Alabama to one of the top programs in college basketball, consistently competing deep into March.
For Milwaukee, the move is a savvy investment. A two-way contract gives the Bucks flexibility while giving Sears a clear runway to prove himself in the NBA and G League. With his shooting ability, poise, and toughness, he fits the mold of successful under-the-radar guards who carve out long careers.
For Sears, it’s not about the route—it’s about the destination. Going undrafted may be a setback on paper, but it’s nothing he hasn’t faced before. He wasn’t a top-50 high school recruit. He didn’t start at a Power Five program. And yet, here he is, knocking on the NBA’s door.
“I’ve always bet on myself,” Sears said in a post-draft interview. “This is just the next step. I’m grateful to Milwaukee for the opportunity—and I’m ready to get to work.”
From Sweet 16 heroics to undrafted determination, Mark Sears’ story is far from finished. If anything, it’s just entering its most exciting chapter yet—and the basketball world will be watching.