Alabama fans have been holding their breath all through May as the deadline for the team's stars to make a decision about their future approached.

Mark Sears sent Crimson Tide fans into a frenzy on Wednesday night when he officially announced he was withdrawing from the NBA draft and would be spending his final year of eligibility in Tuscaloosa, a decision that came after the team's first-ever Final Four appearance.

While the entire team came together and improved their overall level of play, it was clear that Sears was the driving force behind Alabama's potent offense throughout the season. Sears averaged over 21.5 points and 4 assists per game while playing nearly 34 minutes per game, all career highs, leading Alabama to a historic season.

His return will likely brighten the team's prospects for next season.

For perhaps the first time in history, Alabama is one of the preseason favorites (and perhaps the top) to win the college basketball national championship.

It's been a great offseason for Nate Oats and his staff, and having Sears back was the crowning achievement.

The team lost a few players to transfers, but did a great job of replacing lost talent and adding people that weren’t on last year’s team.

RELATED: Sears after victory: 'The effort is unbeatable. I give all the honor and glory to God.'

At the guard positions, adding Chris Youngblood, Houston Mallett and Aiden Holloway through the transfer portal, along with returning Latrell Lightsell Jr. and freshman LaBaron Philon, gives the Tide one of the deepest backcourts in the country.

With the team struggling with rim protection in 2023-24, Oats used the best player in the portal, Rutgers center Clifford Omoruyi, allowing Grant Nelson (who also returns) to move back to his natural No. 4 position.

Fellow draft prospect Jalin Stevenson announced Wednesday night that he too will return and continue his development.

Additionally, the team boasts the No. 2-ranked high school recruits in the nation, including five-stars Derrion Reed and Aiden Sherrell and four-stars Philon and Nurse Cunningham.

With all of the holes on the roster filled, the team appears to have the deepest depth in college basketball heading into the 2024-25 season.

The Alabama Crimson Tide may have their best chance at winning a national championship right in front of them.

Michael Browner is a senior sports analyst and contributor to Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on Twitter. translation: