Milwaukee Bucks Sign Alabama Star Mark Sears to Two-Way Deal
The Milwaukee Bucks moved quickly to sign Alabama guard Mark Sears to a two-way contract after he went undrafted in Thursday night’s second round of the NBA draft.
Sears, a two-time All-American, will split time between the Bucks and their G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd.
NBA insider Shams Charania broke the news on Twitter: “Alabama’s Mark Sears, a first All-American, has agreed to a two-way NBA deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, sources tell ESPN.”
This opportunity could be huge for Sears, especially with Bucks starting point guard Damian Lillard expected to miss nearly all of next season after tearing his Achilles in the 2025 playoffs.
The timing couldn’t be better for the former Alabama star.
Path to the NBA Roster
Two-way contracts have become a popular route for undrafted players to prove themselves. Players can spend up to 50 games with their NBA team while developing in the G League.
The Bucks had just one two-way spot remaining, with Jamaree Bouyea and Pete Nance already occupying the other positions for the 2025-26 season.
Sears brings an impressive college resume to Milwaukee.
He spent five years in college ball – two at Ohio University before transferring to Alabama for his final three seasons. During his last year with the Crimson Tide, he averaged 18.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.
His scoring and rebounding numbers actually dipped slightly from the previous season.
Size and Shooting Questions
One factor that likely contributed to Sears going undrafted was his height.
Though listed at 6’1″ on Alabama’s roster, he measured just 5’10” barefoot at the NBA combine. That’s a significant concern for NBA scouts, though many undersized guards have found success in the league.
His shooting was also inconsistent during his final college season. After hitting a career-best 43.6% from three-point range in 2023-24, Sears’ percentage dropped to just 34.5% this past season.
That’s nearly a 10% decline.
However, he showed promise at the draft combine, connecting on 25 of 27 “3-point side” shots and 26 of 30 attempts off the dribble – demonstrating the shooting touch that made him a standout at Alabama.
Sears will likely begin his professional journey with the Wisconsin Herd, but Lillard’s injury could create an unexpected opportunity for playing time with the Bucks.
If he impresses in the G League, don’t be surprised to see Sears earning minutes in Milwaukee sooner rather than later.
