Alabama's Mark Sears sheds light on shocking NBA Draft decision

Nate Oats and the Alabama basketball program might just run it back to go deeper in the NCAA Tournament. A key member of their squad was Mark Sears. While the star out of the Crimson Tide did go through with the NBA Draft process, he made a big call that will likely affect his future. A big reason behind it all? The new NIL legislation makes the call he made more understandable.

Staying with Alabama?

Mark Sears is forgoing the NBA Draft and going back to the Crimson Tide. This means that they will have their lethal trio that features him, Grant Nelson, and Latrell Wrightshell Jr. in the coming season. With Nate Oats still steering the ship in the Alabama basketball squad, they are likely going to find better success not just in the NCAA Tournament but also in the SEC.

But, this decision made by Mark Sears was a head-scratcher to some avid fans of college basketball. He was already on pace to get picked in the NBA Draft anyway. So, what's the deal and why did he return? The star out of the Alabama basketball program outlines his reasons, via Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

“I got good feedback from the NBA. But, I can still get better in a few areas. I want to show I am a dog on defense next season, continue to bring vocal leadership, and work on my body, and get into better shape. NIL has changed basketball and NBA teams told me that age isn't a factor in today's game, so I was comfortable coming back to try and bring home a national championship to Alabama,” he said.

He made it rain from three for Alabama last season and that perfectly fits with the current landscape of the association. Sears knocked down 44% of his shots from way out which helped him score 21.5 points on a nightly basis. More importantly, his game is also very well-rounded. He drops four assists per game alongside grabbing 4.5 rebounds. All of these are going to be very vital for Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide if they wish to dethrone UConn in the big dance.

Another big reason for sticking with the Crimson Tide

It's the same reason why top-end talents tend to stay with their program. The goal is usually to win it all at the NCAA Tournament. Sears is no exception. He likely just wants to hoist that trophy and make everyone at Tuscaloosa happy.

“I've gotten better every year and next season won't be any different. I got a taste of the Final Four, and now I want to finish it off and bring it home. I'm very excited about the team we have coming in. I will have to do a good job of leading these guys in the right direction. I'm confident we can win the national championship,” he concluded.

Alabama has a three-headed dragon entering the season. Will they finally get over the Final Four hump and be the last team dancing?