Congratulations to Mark Sears for being selected as one of the Top 5 Wooden Award candidates.

When Alabama guard Mark Sears transferred to Tuscaloosa from Ohio University in 2022, few could have predicted the meteoric rise that would follow. What started as a high-upside move for both player and program has now culminated in national recognition of the highest order. Sears has been named one of the Top 5 finalists for the prestigious John R. Wooden Award, given annually to the most outstanding player in college basketball.

In a season where narratives fluctuated and top-tier talent emerged from every corner of the country, Sears carved out a lane entirely his own. While Alabama’s postseason ended in disappointment, Sears’ journey was nothing short of remarkable, blending consistency, leadership, and sheer production in one of the nation’s toughest conferences.

This recognition isn’t just a testament to a strong season — it’s an acknowledgment of a transformation that began long before 2025.

From Muscle Shoals to March Stardom

Mark Sears’ story is one of resilience and relentless work ethic. Born in Florence, Alabama, and raised in Muscle Shoals, Sears wasn’t handed a spotlight in high school or an immediate place on a Power 5 roster. He earned it.

Sears started his college career at Ohio University, where he quickly proved himself a capable floor general with a knack for big moments. In his sophomore season, he averaged 19.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game — numbers that turned heads and opened doors.

When he entered the transfer portal, Alabama head coach Nate Oats saw the potential. Sears wanted to return home and compete on the national stage, and Alabama needed a point guard who could score, distribute, and defend. It was a perfect match.

Now, two years later, he’s not just leading the Crimson Tide — he’s one of the five best players in college basketball.

Dominating the SEC

Sears was Alabama’s engine all season long. He averaged 21.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 50.8% from the field, 43.5% from three, and 86.6% from the free-throw line. In the brutal gauntlet of the SEC, where elite defenders and intense matchups define every week, Sears remained steady.

He wasn’t just a scorer — he was a game-changer.

Against Tennessee, Sears dropped 28 points with seven assists and five rebounds in a thrilling 91-88 win that solidified Alabama’s top-three seeding in the conference. A week later, he torched Kentucky for 31 points in Rupp Arena, silencing a hostile crowd and reminding the nation that Alabama was not just a football school.

Every time Alabama needed a basket late, the ball found its way into Sears’ hands. And time and again, he delivered.

Leadership Beyond the Box Score

What made Sears so valuable wasn’t just his numbers. It was his demeanor. Teammates raved about his poise, his ability to calm the locker room during tough stretches, and his commitment to doing things the right way — both on and off the court.

“He’s the heart and soul of this team,” sophomore forward Jarin Stevenson said. “When we need a lift, he’s the one who talks. When we need a bucket, he’s the one who delivers. He’s earned every bit of this recognition.”

Coach Nate Oats echoed that sentiment.

“Mark is a coach’s dream. He brings it every day — film sessions, practice, shootaround, it doesn’t matter. He’s consistent, he’s humble, and he wants to win more than anything else,” Oats said. “We’ve had great players come through this program, but what Mark has done this year is on another level.”

A Bright Spot in a Bittersweet Ending

Alabama’s season ended with a surprising early exit from the NCAA Tournament, an upset loss that left fans heartbroken and players stunned. The Crimson Tide, who had shown flashes of Final Four potential throughout the season, couldn’t summon the same energy or execution when it mattered most.

But even in defeat, Sears stood tall. He scored 26 points in the loss, doing everything he could to drag Alabama back into the game. It was a fitting final performance — one more night of determination and defiance from one of the game’s best.

And in many ways, that game may have solidified his standing among Wooden Award voters. Because Mark Sears wasn’t just great when things were easy — he was great when it mattered most.

Finalists Among Giants

Being named a Top 5 Wooden Award finalist is an honor reserved for college basketball’s absolute elite. This year’s list includes:

• Zach Edey (Purdue): The reigning National Player of the Year and a force in the paint.
• RJ Davis (North Carolina): The heart of the Tar Heels’ offense and a dynamic scorer.
• Hunter Dickinson (Kansas): A veteran big man with NBA-caliber skills and vision.
• Caleb Love (Arizona): A playmaker who reinvented himself in Tucson after transferring from UNC.
• Mark Sears (Alabama): The consistent, efficient, and fearless guard from Muscle Shoals.

Each of these players had incredible seasons, but Sears’ candidacy feels uniquely earned. He didn’t come into the season with the fanfare of Edey or Dickinson, nor the blue-blood pedigree of Davis or Love. He made his name the hard way — night by night, bucket by bucket.

What Makes Sears Special

Several factors distinguish Sears from his fellow finalists:

1. Efficiency – Sears had one of the highest true shooting percentages among guards in high-major conferences, thanks to his elite shot selection and free throw shooting.
2. Consistency – He scored in double figures in 31 of Alabama’s 33 games, including 15 games with 25+ points.
3. Defense – While his offense grabbed headlines, Sears’ on-ball defense was equally impressive. He averaged 1.6 steals per game and routinely guarded the opposing team’s top perimeter scorer.
4. Clutch Factor – Sears led all Wooden finalists in points scored in the final five minutes of close games, proving time and again he was built for pressure.

A Legacy That Lasts

Regardless of whether Sears takes home the Wooden Award, his legacy in Alabama basketball is secure. He helped lead the program to two NCAA Tournament appearances, played a key role in one of the highest-scoring offenses in school history, and became a role model for in-state kids dreaming of the big stage.

His name will be mentioned alongside Tide greats like Collin Sexton, Herbert Jones, and Brandon Miller — players who elevated the brand of Alabama basketball and left a lasting impact.

More importantly, Sears has opened doors. For the overlooked kid from a small town. For the mid-major star looking to prove he belongs at the highest level. For every young guard in Alabama who now sees that Muscle Shoals can lead to March Madness greatness.

What’s Next for Sears?

While he hasn’t officially declared for the NBA Draft, most experts expect Sears to test the waters and likely remain in the 2025 class. His stock is rising, especially given his improved three-point shooting, command of the pick-and-roll, and maturity on the court.

Scouts love his basketball IQ and his ability to adapt — he went from being a volume scorer at Ohio to a facilitator and leader at Alabama without missing a beat.

Whether he finds his path in the NBA or abroad, there’s no doubt he’ll succeed. He’s proven he can adjust, improve, and lead — and those are the traits that define a professional.

A Well-Deserved Honor

The John R. Wooden Award stands for excellence — not just in scoring points or grabbing rebounds, but in representing the very best of what college basketball can be. Mark Sears embodies those values.

His selection as a Top 5 finalist is a win not just for him, but for Alabama, for the SEC, and for every player grinding in the shadows waiting for their moment.

Mark Sears took his, and ran with it.

And now, he stands among the game’s giants — not by chance, but by choice, by character, and by the work he’s put in every step of the way.

Congratulations, Mark. You earned this.