Did Alabama's Mark Sears replacement just enter the Transfer Portal?

Replacing Mark Sears won't be easy for Nate Oats and Alabama basketball. Sears is one of the greatest players in the history of the program, helping lead the Crimson Tide to unparraleled success during his three-year run in Tuscaloosa.

Sears has been part of three Sweet 16 teams and helped lead Alabama to the Final Four last year. The Crimson Tide's run in this year's NCAA Tournament is not over, as preparation is ongoing for their Sweet 16 matchup with BYU on Thursday.

But the Transfer Portal is open, and Oats has enlisted top assistant Preston Murphy to begin recruiting efforts for the Crimson Tide while the rest of the staff focuses completely on BYU and the remainder of the Tide's March Madness run.

There's plenty of talented players who have already entered the portal and many others will soon follow. Alabama's needs in the portal are to be determined, depending on who decides to test the draft waters and who leaves Tuscaloosa for perceived greener pastures or NIL paydays.

Regardless, one of the team's top priorities will be replacing the All-American Sears. That job won't be as difficult if Labaron Philon and Aden Holloway both return next season, but Philon is widely expected to enter the 2025 NBA Draft as a projected 1st Round pick.

Assuming Philon leaves, Alabama will have a glaring need at guard. On Tuesday, an intriguing Transfer Portal option emerged that could lessen the sting of losing an All-American like Sears.

New Mexico's Donovan Dent could be an intriguing option for Alabama

Mountain West Player of the Year Donovan Dent made the decision on Tuesday to enter the Transfer Portal, immediately becoming the top available player out there:

While Dent will consider a possible return to New Mexico, he will be sought after by every program in the country. Dent finished Top 15 in both scoring and assists as a junior, averaging 20.4 points and 6.4 assists per game. He helped lead the Lobos to the 2nd Round of the NCAA Tournament.

Dent seems like a great fit for Oats and Alabama's style of play. He shot 40.9% from three this season, albeit on a smaller volume than would be required in the Tide's system.

One thing to watch with Dent is what happens with Richard Pitino, New Mexico's head coach. His name has been linked to other job openings, and if he lands a high-major position, he will push to bring Dent with him. Both Villanova and West Virginia have been linked to Pitino.

Portal season is full of twists and turns and there will be plenty of talented players available in the coming weeks. Oats has proven to be a master at roster building and whatever happens from here the Crimson Tide will surely put a ton of talent on the court in 2025-26.