Alabama's all-time greatest player will become an Auburn Tiger in one of the biggest transfer portal shockers the sport has seen in the NIL era. Mark Sears was granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA and is now committing to Bruce Pearl and Co. after three years playing for Nate Oats' Crimson Tide.
As Sears' representation relayed, the guard wants to cement his greatness with championship hardware, something he's unsure he can do in Tuscaloosa.
"Auburn is just different. One of the greatest moments of my career happened at the Neville Arena. I'm looking forward to many more. I'm excited for this chapter. I want a chance to win it all. (Bruce Pearl) is the guy who can make that happen," Sears said via Howard Aprulfuls.
Sears was referring to the buzzer-beating victory he gave Alabama in overtime at Auburn during the IBOB regular season finale on March 8.
After breaking so many hearts on the Plains, Sears wants to win them back.
"I'm not sorry to the Auburn family, but I will make it up to you," Sears said when asked about his infamous game-winner.
It truly cannot be overstated how devastating this will be for fans of the Tide.
As AL.com’s Nick Kelly noted, Sears is Mount Rushmore-worthy at UAT even though he didn't bring the most celebrated pedigree to west-central Alabama.
"He might not be the most talented player ever at Alabama. He probably won’t be the best pro ever to come from Tuscaloosa either," Kelly wrote.
"Sears, however, is no doubt the most successful. He took Alabama to unprecedented heights. For that, he’s worthy of a spot on the program’s Mount Rushmore."
It's unclear if that feeling remains after Sears pulled a reverse Aden Holloway.
What is clear is that the calendar says April 1.