Quietly, the Milwaukee Bucks snagged Mark Sears as an undrafted free agent this past summer after a strong run in college. Despite his experience, having played five seasons of basketball at the collegiate level, Sears wasn't in the cards as a rotational player for Milwaukee this season. Yet, he hasn't let that stop him from flexing his potential elsewhere.
Sears has spent some time in Oshkosh with the Wisconsin Herd, where he's had more room to spread his wings and grow. There have undoubtedly been some flashes of potential there, as highlighted by two-time All-Star and Sears' current teammate Victor Oladipo. This writer spoke with Oladipo after the Herd's recent clutch win over the Iowa Wolves after the two closed out the game together.
Oladipo had nothing but positive things to say about his running mate in the Herd's backcourt.
"A ton of potential. Great character. Loves the game. When someone reflects those qualities, it's easy to get along with them."
Bucks have a potential gem in Mark Sears
In his nine games with the Herd this season, Sears is averaging 15 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest. He's looked poised in all facets, scoring from all over the floor and finding his teammates for good looks. It's the passing that has truly been a cut above, as his 5.3 assists per game are the highest mark on the entire team.
The prominent question mark with Sears will always revolve around his defense, given that he stands at just 6-foot-1, but the next step for him is upping his efficiency. It was a concern that followed him throughout college, and it's still lingering. With the Herd, he is shooting 41.6 percent from the field. If he can bump that up a few ticks, his impact will grow.
Sears finds himself in a great position to grow. When he's with the Herd, he gets to learn from a pair of recognizable veterans in Victor Oladipo and Dennis Smith Jr. When he's with the Milwaukee Bucks, it is Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. he gets to grow with. The rookie has plenty of guard talent around him that will help fuel his development.
The blueprint is there. Sears might not play much initially, but he must stay ready for when the chance to prove himself pops up. Ryan Rollins went from a two-way player suiting up for the Herd to a crucial part of the Milwaukee Bucks in an instant. If he puts in the work and continues to unearth some of this potential, Mark Sears could certainly get there as well.
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