Mark Sears Named Semifinalist for Naismith Player of the Year

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama men’s basketball guard Mark Sears has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the prestigious Naismith Trophy, awarded to the National Player of the Year. This recognition comes just one day after Sears earned first-team All-American honors from The Sporting News.

Sears, a standout player for the Crimson Tide, is averaging 19.2 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game this season. His performance has solidified his reputation, placing him second in points per game within the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

The list of semifinalists also includes notable names such as Auburn‘s Johni Broome, Florida‘s Walter Clayton Jr., Duke‘s Cooper Flagg, Creighton‘s Ryan Kalkbrenner, Marquette‘s Cam Jones, RJ Luis from St. John's, Purdue‘s Braden Smith, Wisconsin‘s John Tonje, and Texas Tech‘s JT Toppin. The field will be narrowed to just four finalists on March 20, with the award winner announced on April 6.

In a recent game against Auburn, Sears delivered a game-winning jumper just as time expired in overtime, leading Alabama to a thrilling victory over the nation’s top-ranked team. “When we needed him late, he came through and delivered,” said Alabama head coach Nate Oats. “Bailed me out because that play design wasn’t all that great, to be honest with you.”

The Crimson Tide continues its campaign this Friday, facing Kentucky in the SEC basketball tournament quarterfinals. Alabama, having earned a double bye, is expected to move on with momentum built from their recent success.

The UA-Kentucky matchup is set to tip off at approximately 8:30 p.m. CT, following the Missouri-Florida game scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. CT. Fans can watch the game live on the SEC Network.