The NBA Draft is a spectacle of projection, potential, and pressure. Each year, college basketball’s best and brightest take the leap into professional dreams, and the 2025 edition is no exception. As analysts begin to finalize early boards and scouts comb through hours of tape, two names from Alabama’s powerhouse program continue to surface in national conversations: Mark Sears and Grant Nelson. These two dynamic playmakers have not only fueled the Crimson Tide’s success on the court but are now drawing serious interest as potential NBA Draft picks. National outlets are weighing in, and their chances of hearing their names called on draft night are gaining momentum.
For Sears, the journey has been both steady and sensational. The 6-foot-1 point guard has consistently elevated his game since transferring to Alabama, thriving under Nate Oats’ up-tempo system and developing into one of the nation’s most productive and clutch performers. His mix of savvy playmaking, three-level scoring, and veteran leadership made him a central figure in Alabama’s deep postseason run this past year. Draft analysts across the country are now taking note. ESPN, Bleacher Report, and The Ringer all have Sears ranked among the top 40 prospects in early 2025 mock drafts, with several sources projecting him as a potential late first-round pick or early second-rounder.
Sears’ strengths are obvious. He plays with a calm command rarely found at the college level. His ability to control tempo, break down defenses off the dribble, and create for both himself and others makes him an ideal modern guard. He shot over 41% from three this past season while also averaging more than five assists and maintaining a positive assist-to-turnover ratio. His clutch performances in the NCAA Tournament, including a pair of game-winning shots, gave scouts even more reason to take him seriously.
However, questions remain. His height and wingspan are viewed as slight disadvantages in a league dominated by taller and longer guards. While Sears has proven to be a tenacious on-ball defender at the college level, some scouts wonder how well his defense will translate against elite NBA athleticism. Still, others argue that his high basketball IQ, advanced footwork, and determination will allow him to carve out a solid role, particularly as a backup or change-of-pace guard. There’s also growing belief that Sears could rise further if he delivers a strong performance at the NBA Combine or in pre-draft workouts, where his leadership and work ethic will likely shine through.
Grant Nelson, meanwhile, presents a different kind of intrigue. At 6-foot-11 with guard-like handles, explosive finishing ability, and surprising agility, Nelson is the type of prospect NBA teams love to gamble on. Once known primarily for his time at North Dakota State, Nelson’s transfer to Alabama thrust him into the national spotlight. Though his adjustment to SEC play had its ups and downs, Nelson showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season—flashes that are now catching the eyes of national scouts and draft analysts alike.
Draft experts are mixed on Nelson’s current standing, but most agree he remains one of the most fascinating swing prospects in the class. His name has appeared in the second round of various mock drafts, and there’s speculation he could even sneak into the late first round if the right team falls in love with his unique blend of size, skill, and upside. His highlight reel is filled with coast-to-coast drives, towering blocks, and above-the-rim finishes—tools that suggest he has a ceiling far higher than most of his draft peers.
The challenge for Nelson has been consistency. At times, he disappears in games or struggles with shot selection. His three-point percentage dipped during stretches of conference play, and some scouts have raised concerns about his ability to guard NBA-level forwards. Nevertheless, Nelson’s raw tools remain tantalizing. At the NBA level, development staffs are confident they can mold athletic projects like Nelson into valuable rotation players, especially if he continues to expand his shooting range and improve on the defensive end.
From a versatility standpoint, Nelson checks plenty of boxes. He’s agile enough to switch on screens, tall enough to protect the rim, and skilled enough to initiate offense in spurts. In today’s NBA, where stretch bigs and hybrid forwards are in demand, Nelson’s profile becomes even more valuable. Much like the path taken by players such as Kyle Anderson or Darius Bazley, Nelson’s route to NBA success may not be traditional, but the upside is clearly present.
The 2025 NBA Draft class is being labeled by some as “wide open,” meaning players like Sears and Nelson have even more opportunity to climb draft boards with strong pre-draft performances. Unlike top-tier, one-and-done freshmen who often dominate the early headlines, veterans like Sears and mid-major standouts like Nelson offer experience, maturity, and polish—attributes that appeal to playoff teams selecting later in the draft who are more focused on adding contributors than raw projects.
The national buzz surrounding both players isn’t just empty speculation. Multiple NBA executives have reportedly scheduled in-person visits or meetings with Alabama’s coaching staff to gather more intel on both prospects. With Alabama continuing to be a regular presence in the NCAA Tournament and producing NBA-caliber talent, the Tide program carries credibility with scouts. And that only helps the stock of both Sears and Nelson.
In addition, the intangibles cannot be ignored. Sears is beloved by teammates, coaches, and fans for his resilience and steady demeanor. He’s the type of player who thrives in big moments but never lets the spotlight overwhelm him. His maturity is often cited as a key asset that separates him from many younger prospects. For Nelson, it’s about his eagerness to grow and willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed. Whether it’s bulking up to withstand the physicality of the NBA or refining his jumper, Nelson has demonstrated a hunger to evolve and maximize his potential.
College basketball has long been a proving ground, and both Sears and Nelson have proven plenty. As draft night inches closer, their individual journeys serve as a reminder that there are many paths to the NBA. For Sears, it’s the underdog story turned All-SEC playmaker. For Nelson, it’s the hidden gem with sky-high potential. National outlets are beginning to solidify their evaluations, and the consensus is building—both players are in the mix, and both have a legitimate shot to fulfill their NBA dreams.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed in the draft process. A lot can change between now and next June. But if recent momentum is any indication, Sears and Nelson are trending upward at just the right time. Pre-draft workouts, interviews, and combine measurements will be crucial, and both players are expected to fully participate. If either—or both—can make a strong impression during that stretch, their names may not just be called on draft night; they may be called early.
For Alabama basketball, the continued emergence of NBA talent is a testament to the program’s evolution under Coach Nate Oats. Sears and Nelson represent two different styles, two different stories, but one shared goal: reaching the highest level of the game. National outlets are watching closely, and with the 2025 NBA Draft cycle heating up, their chances of making the leap from Tuscaloosa to the pros are looking more real than ever.
