Alabama G Mark Sears declares for NBA draft

Alabama guard Mark Sears announced Saturday that he is entering the NBA draft.

Sears said he will retain his college eligibility. He played two seasons at Ohio University before playing for the Crimson Tide this season.

"To Ohio and Alabama, thank you for affording me the opportunity to do what I love!" Sears wrote in his announcement on Twitter. "Being on each team has allowed me to grow and continue to develop my skills to become the player that I am today."

Sears averaged 12.5 points. 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists and made 69 3-pointers in 37 games (all starts) this season. The Crimson Tide were a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament but were beaten in the Sweet 16 by eventual runner-up San Diego State.

At Ohio, Sears became a full-time starter for the 2021-22 season and averaged 19.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 35 games.

Sears is the fourth Alabama player to declare for the draft, joining possible No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller, probable first-round pick Noah Clowney and Charles Bediako. Like Sears, Bediako is maintaining his college eligibility.