Milwaukee Bucks Rookie Watch - Mark Sears

Bogoljub Markovic, the Milwaukee Bucks' second-round selection from the 2025 NBA Draft, would ideally have been featured here, but the 20-year-old Serbian forward is remaining with his Mega Basket team for this season. While that likely means the Bucks’ roster will be without a rookie this season, there is a chance that undrafted former Alabama Crimson Tide point guard Mark Sears could crack the lineup at some point during the 82-game schedule.

At one point this summer, the Bucks were extremely thin at the point guard position, especially with the loss (and eventual release) of Damian Lillard to a season-ending injury. While they have since added or re-signed Cole Anthony, Kevin Porter Jr., and Ryan Rollins, having Sears available on a two-way contract is added insurance.

With five seasons of college ball under his belt, two in Ohio and the last three in Alabama, Sears has played in plenty of big-moment games that can help with the transition to the pro game. A two-time All-American and member of the First-Team All-SEC, Sears finished his senior season setting a school record with 797 points in a single season, averaging 18.6 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds with shooting percentages of 40/34/84.

While his size may prove to be challenging at the NBA level, standing just 6’1”, 183 pounds, Sears’ high basketball IQ, shifty footwork, and elite-level ball handling help him stand out among bigger opponents. As a 37.5% three-point shooter in college, Sears’ ability to hit from beyond the arc would be a bonus to the Bucks' lineup.

Unfortunately, a left calf strain kept Sears out of the Bucks’ Summer League lineup, causing him to miss an opportunity to further establish himself as a potential option for coach Doc Rivers. All signs point to Sears spending most of the season with the Wisconsin Herd. However, with Milwaukee’s questionable backcourt and the inevitable injuries and load management that come with the 82-game grind, don’t be surprised if the Alabama sharpshooting point guard gets his chance to prove he is worth a full-time contract.