Mark Sears surged in popularity during March Madness. But it wasn’t just his spectacular play on the court that caught the nation’s attention. Fans and the media were enamored by a peculiar routine he shared with his mother.
As he heads to the 2025 NBA Draft with hopes of hearing his name called, there is a good chance some team takes a flyer on him. The latest mock draft from PFSN, for instance, has him going 36th overall to the San Antonio Spurs. But today we are shifting the attention to his upbringing and the people who brought him into the world.
Learn About Mark Sears’ Parents: Chad and Lameka
Born in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, on February 19, 2002, to Chad and Lameka Sears, Mark had some sports DNA in his blood from the onset. Chad was a football player in his own right, playing quarterback for UNA after being an All-State selection. He could have hit it big in the NFL after getting drafted by the Buffalo Bills, but a back injury prematurely ended his career.
He moved into a domestic life, earning the role of director for Russellville’s Parks and Recreation department.
Lameka, on the other hand, has a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science from Athens State University and is currently working as a retail account executive for the Times Daily.
She came into the spotlight thanks to the 2025 NCAA Tournament. During the competition, cameras caught her mimicking her son’s free-throw routine down to the last detail. A tradition that she’s followed since he was wreaking havoc in rec leagues, Lameka isn’t shy about her support for her son.
Mark Sears’ mother shoots free throws with him each time he’s at the line #NCAAMarchMadness pic.twitter.com/7sjCp7uZDH
— Bama FB on Youtube | 106K Subs (@BamaYoutube) March 25, 2024
Even carrying a fake basketball to the games, she’s made the routine a highlight on game days. But her support and enthusiasm for Mark’s career extend far beyond a play-along skit. She’s been vocal about his placement on the team, going so far as to criticize his benching in a game against LSU this past season.
With the fanbase turning against her, she even issued an apology for her comments, writing, “While I may not agree with the decision, I recognize and respect Coach Oats and the entire Alabama coaching staff.”
Mark’s career took off after he committed to Ohio for his collegiate career.
In two seasons with the Bobcats, he took a major jump into a starting-caliber point guard, drawing the attention of his hometown Alabama squad. Joining the team, he quickly became one of its leaders and best players.
His best year came in 2023-24 when he averaged close to 21.5 points while shooting over 43% from 3-point range. Now, as he heads to the NBA Draft, he has the full support of his family behind him.
