Mark Sears Named Semifinalist for Naismith Player of the Year Award

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Alabama men’s basketball guard Mark Sears has been recognized as one of 10 semifinalists for the prestigious Naismith Trophy, which honors the National Player of the Year. The announcement follows Sears’ selection as a first-team All-American by The Sporting News, reinforcing his exceptional performance this season.

Sears has averaged 19.2 points, five assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game for the Crimson Tide, showcasing his skills as a leader on the court. One of his standout moments occurred in a recent game against Auburn, where he hit a last-second jumper to secure a victory against the No. 1 team in the country.

“When we needed him late, he came through and delivered,” Alabama head coach Nate Oats said after the thrilling overtime win. “He bailed me out because that play design wasn’t all that great, to be honest. It was in a pretty great player’s hands. He delivered for us there late.”

The list of semifinalists also includes notable players such as Auburn’s Johni Broome, Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr., and Duke’s Cooper Flagg, among others. The Naismith Trophy finalists will be announced on March 20, with the winner revealed on April 6. Alabama has historically not had a player win this award.

This season, Sears has been instrumental in guiding Alabama to the SEC Tournament, where the team has earned the No. 3 seed. The Tide will compete against Kentucky in the quarterfinals at 8:30 p.m. CT on Friday, March 17, following the Missouri-Florida matchup. The game will be broadcasted on the SEC Network.

As the 2024-25 season progresses, Sears continues to demonstrate why he is not only a semifinalist for the Naismith Trophy but also a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award, recognizing him as one of the nation’s best point guards. He is currently second in the SEC for points per game and third in assists, highlighting his all-around contribution to the team’s success.

With the postseason underway, all eyes will be on Sears as he aims to lead the Crimson Tide to a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, continuing to build on a successful season.