Alabama Crimson Tide fans will find out on Wednesday whether the team has the best skilled group in collegiate basketball for 2024-25.
Early-entry college basketball players have until 11:59 p.m. on May 29 to withdraw from the 2024 NBA Draft and continue their collegiate careers. Two Alabama Crimson Tide players are on the clock: Mark Sears and Jarin Stevenson.
On the 29th, Sears will participate in his final team exercise with the Milwaukee Bucks. After receiving feedback from Milwaukee, Sears will have only a few hours to make a decision. Most mock drafts place Sears in the second round. Few mock drafts have him projected high enough in the second round to secure a guaranteed deal. Such a draft outcome would result in less NBA money than Sears could earn through NIL from another Alabama Crimson Tide season.
Alabama basketball experts are fairly optimistic that Sears will return for his final season. Kevin Sweeney, not an Alabama insider but someone with collegiate basketball ties, discussed the Sears scenario, saying, “Highly critical decision either way… with him, Alabama might be preseason No. 1. Didn’t have a terrific combine; measured under 5’10.25 without shoes and missed a scrimmage due to injury. I’m not sure he can get more than a two-way. “Probably *should* go back.”
For non-NBA fans, a two-way contract is not assured, with those who sign often starting in the G League and possibly playing a few NBA games. Jarin Stevenson is most likely limited to a ‘two-way’ contract. Almost no mock drafts predict Stevenson to be drafted. But it’s not that simple. Aside from lottery players, the NBA frequently drafts on potential. Jarin Stevenson has huge potential. Mark Sears may become an NBA success, but Stevenson has more potential.
Kevin Sweeney also commented on Stevenson, saying, “A lot more 50-50 than I think many people believed when he originally tested. Bama has the depth to withstand it if he stays.”
Alabama Crimson Tide Crimson Tide supporters may appreciate Sweeney’s confidence regarding roster depth, but losing Stevenson to the NBA would be a significant loss. Losing Mark Sears will be a significant loss, but Nate Oats has established depth at the guard position, including veteran guys. The Crimson Tide has less experienced frontcourt players.
The Crimson Tide are ranked first in the latest preseason poll. Without Sears and Stevenson, Alabama’s rating will fall, but they still have one of the greatest rosters in NCAA basketball.
