Alabama’s basketball team is about to face a big challenge with Mark Sears graduating. Sears has been a key player for the Crimson Tide, helping lead them to multiple Sweet 16s and even the Final Four last year. Now, as the team preps for their Sweet 16 matchup with BYU, coach Nate Oats is already looking to fill the void Sears leaves behind by turning to the Transfer Portal.

Oats has enlisted assistant Preston Murphy to focus on portal recruitment while the rest of the team zeroes in on the NCAA Tournament. With many players already jumping into the portal, Alabama’s future depends on who decides to leave for the NBA or cash in on NIL deals.

One potential answer to Alabama’s guard shortage is Donovan Dent from New Mexico. The Mountain West Player of the Year entered the Transfer Portal on Tuesday and is now one of the most sought-after players available. Dent could be the key to filling the gap left by Sears, especially if standout guard Labaron Philon decides to go pro.