Alabama basketball fans hoping to see Mark Sears make his NBA Summer League debut with the Milwaukee Bucks are still waiting. Here's what we know.
Alabama basketball fans hoping to see Mark Sears make his NBA Summer League debut with the Milwaukee Bucks are still waiting.
The former Crimson Tide star, who signed a two-way contract with the Bucks after the 2025 NBA Draft, was again absent from the stat sheet on Wednesday during Milwaukee’s loss to the Chicago Bulls, which marked a three-game losing streak for the team.
Instead of suiting up, Sears has only been spotted on the bench in street clothes so far. What's the reason, and could he finally appear in Friday evening's game with Milwaukee?
Why hasn't Mark Sears made his NBA Summer League debut? Is it possible for the former Alabama basketball star?
According to team officials, Sears is currently sidelined with a left calf strain − an injury that has delayed his first taste of NBA action.
Bucks beat writer Eric Nehm of The Athletic confirmed via Milwaukee’s PR staff that the injury was the reason for Sears being held out of the game.
Meanwhile, two of Sears’ former Alabama teammates from the 2024–25 Elite Eight squad, Chris Youngblood and Grant Nelson, have shined for the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets, respectively.
As his health continues to be monitored by the Bucks’ training staff, it remains uncertain whether Sears will be available.
Milwaukee's next and final Summer League game is set for Friday, July 18, when the Bucks take on the Miami Heat at 6 p.m. CT. The broadcast will be available on ESPN+, as well as ESPN3.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Last game in Vegas: Is Alabama basketball’s Mark Sears ready to go?
Category: General Sports