As the Alabama Crimson Tide prepare for their Sweet 16 matchup against BYU on Thursday, March 27, 2025, the team is also looking ahead to the future, particularly concerning the impending departure of standout guard Mark Sears. Sears, who has been instrumental in Alabama’s recent successes, including a Final Four appearance last year, is set to graduate, leaving a significant void in the backcourt.
In light of this, the recent entry of New Mexico’s Donovan Dent into the transfer portal has sparked considerable interest. Dent, the reigning Mountain West Player of the Year, averaged 20.6 points and 6.4 assists per game this season, shooting an impressive 41% from three-point range. His dynamic playmaking abilities and scoring prowess make him a highly sought-after prospect for programs aiming to bolster their backcourt.
Alabama’s head coach, Nate Oats, known for his adeptness in roster construction, has already initiated recruiting efforts through top assistant Preston Murphy. While the team’s current focus remains on the NCAA Tournament, the coaching staff is concurrently evaluating potential additions to address anticipated roster gaps.
The potential acquisition of Dent could significantly mitigate the impact of Sears’s departure. However, Dent’s decision may be influenced by various factors, including the future of New Mexico’s head coach, Richard Pitino, who has been linked to other job openings. Should Pitino transition to another program, he may attempt to bring Dent along, adding another layer of complexity to the transfer landscape.
As the transfer portal continues to evolve, Alabama remains vigilant in identifying and securing talent to maintain its competitive edge. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining how the Crimson Tide navigate these transitions to sustain their recent momentum in college basketball.
## NCAA Men’s Basketball Schedule
– BYU Cougars @ Alabama Crimson Tide on Thursday, Mar 27, 2025 at 04:09 PM PDT
