Alabama guard Mark Sears announced Tuesday on social media that he will withdraw from the 2023 NBA draft and return to the program for his senior season.
Sears declared for the draft in April with the option to return to school. He was among the prospects invited to the G League Elite Camp earlier this month and averaged 10.5 points, four assists, 2.5 rebounds and one steal in two scrimmage games.
Despite a strong showing in the pre-draft process, Sears wasn’t projected to be selected this year by most mock drafts. He now has the opportunity to return to school and continue to work on his game ahead of the draft next year.
I’m Back! #RollTide🐘 pic.twitter.com/Xw9CMb3cqx
— Mark Sears (@imcsears) May 30, 2023
Sears was named to the All-SEC second team after averaging 12.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals on 34.5% shooting from 3-point range this past season. He ranked third in the conference in free-throw percentage (84.4).
The return of Sears will be a welcome addition to the roster for a Crimson Tide team that advanced to the Sweet 16 last season. The group lost Brandon Miller, Charles Bediako and Noah Clowney to the draft and others in the transfer portal.
Sears had until Wednesday to withdraw from the draft.
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