Mark Sears and Jarin Stevenson are staying in Tuscaloosa—and Alabama is now a preseason national title favorite.
The Crimson Tide's standout guard and versatile forward both announced their decisions to withdraw from the 2024 NBA Draft and return for the 2024-25 season, a one-two punch that instantly reshapes the landscape of college basketball. The moves give Nate Oats his two most important pieces from last spring's Final Four run and position Alabama as arguably the most complete roster in the country heading into fall.
Sears Returns to Run It Back
Sears made the announcement first. After testing the draft waters following a breakout junior season in which he averaged 21.5 points and 4.0 assists, the 6-foot-1 guard opted to pull his name ahead of the NCAA's May 29 withdrawal deadline.
Most credible draft analysts—including ESPN's Jonathan Givony and The Athletic's Sam Vecenie—had projected Sears as a likely second-round pick or undrafted free agent. Rather than gamble on a late selection or a two-way contract, Sears will return to improve his playmaking, defensive versatility, and decision-making in high-leverage moments.
"Another year in this system, with this roster, gives him a real chance to move into guaranteed-contract territory," one NBA scout told CBS Sports.
For Alabama, the payoff is immediate. Sears is one of the most efficient scorers in the country, a three-level threat who shot 43.6 percent from three last season and carried the Tide's offense through the NCAA Tournament. His return means Oats retains a proven alpha dog and one of the best backcourts in college basketball.
Stevenson Brings Size, Upside
Stevenson followed hours later. The 6-foot-11 forward played a supporting role as a freshman but flashed lottery-level tools—length, shooting touch, and switchable defensive potential—that made him one of the most intriguing long-term prospects on Alabama's roster.
Unlike Sears, Stevenson entered the draft process with significant raw upside but limited production. He averaged 5.9 points and 2.9 rebounds in 19.1 minutes last season, numbers that suggested he needed more developmental time. By returning, Stevenson can refine his post game, improve his rebounding consistency, and build a more compelling case for the 2025 draft.
"Stevenson has first-round talent, but first-round talent isn't enough at 19 if you haven't shown it consistently," Vecenie wrote. "A sophomore leap in a featured role changes everything."
What This Means for Alabama's Roster
The twin announcements arrive at a pivotal moment for Oats, who had already reloaded through the transfer portal. Alabama added Wichita State forward Tre Singleton, Georgetown center Supreme Cook, and Ohio guard AJ Storr, among others, to offset the departures of Aaron Estrada, Rylan Griffen, and Nick Pringle.
With Sears and Stevenson back, the pieces fit more cleanly. Sears anchors the backcourt. Stevenson provides interior length and stretch-five potential. Returning contributors Grant Nelson and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. add experience. The result is a deep, balanced roster with Final Four chemistry and upgraded talent.
The pollsters noticed immediately. Alabama jumped to No. 2 in Gary Parrish's CBS Sports Top 25 And 1, with Parrish writing that the Tide now has "the best backcourt in the country and a frontcourt that can match up with anyone." Bart Torvik's preseason projections also slot Alabama inside the top five nationally.
The Stakes in 2024-25
For Sears, the mission is personal: prove he belongs on NBA draft boards as a guaranteed contract. For Stevenson, it's about transforming flashes into production. For Alabama, it's about closing the gap between Final Four participant and national champion.
The last time the Crimson Tide brought back this much experienced talent with this much preseason hype, they fell two wins short of a title. This time, the expectations will be heavier—and the roster looks better equipped to carry them.
For Nate Oats, the task is now clear: manage the noise, integrate the new pieces, and deliver Alabama its first national championship.
