Brayden Burries Once Envisioned as Alabama Basketball’s Next Mark Sears
Brayden Burries, a promising freshman guard from Arizona, was once considered a strong recruit for Alabama basketball. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 205 pounds, he initially expressed great enthusiasm for Alabama’s playing style, highlighting their fast-paced game and three-point shooting capabilities.
Recruitment and Commitment
In March, Burries indicated he could potentially fill the role of Mark Sears, who left Alabama. His comments came prior to Labaron Philon Jr. declaring for the NBA Draft. Despite his interest in the Crimson Tide, Burries ultimately committed to Arizona in April.
Alabama’s Prospects
Brayden Burries was one of Alabama’s top targets for their 2025 recruiting class. The team had already secured a group of four 4-star recruits, including Amari Allen, Davion Hannah, London Jemison, and Collins Onyejiaka. Coach Nate Oats was eager to include Burries in this talented mix.
Oats’ Reflection on Burries
While Burries decided to stay on the West Coast, Oats acknowledged the challenges in recruiting him. “We gave it our best shot,” he said about their attempts to secure Burries. “It was hard to get him to leave the West Coast.”
Performance at Arizona
Since joining Arizona, Burries has quickly established himself as a key player, averaging 11.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. His strong performance has solidified his role in the starting lineup.
Upcoming Matchup Against Alabama
As Alabama prepares to face Arizona, Oats expressed concern about Burries’ potential impact. He described Burries as a tough competitor and a great teammate, acknowledging the player’s capability to score significantly. Although Burries has yet to score 30 points in a game this season, he recently scored 20 points against Denver and 16 points in a game against Auburn.
What Lies Ahead
- Date of the game: Saturday, Dec. 13
- Time: 8:30 p.m. CT
- Viewing options: ESPN, Fubo, Sling
Oats and his team are aware of Burries’ talent and aim to contain his scoring ability in their upcoming contest at Legacy Arena in Birmingham. The matchup promises to be a highlight as two competitive teams clash.
