Mark Sears' defense and leadership led Alabama to Final Four, but the senior wants more

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Mark Sears has been Alabama’s top offensive player all year long and is a big reason why the Crimson Tide is playing in its first-ever Final Four berth this weekend.

“We wouldn’t be where we’re at without him,” said UA head coach Nate Oats. “We know that. Offensively he’s been one of the best players in the country all year.”

Sears, whose 97 points scored ranks third among all NCAA Tournament players, is averaging 24.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 50.8 percent from the field, 44.7 percent from three-point range and 84.2 percent from the free-throw line.

The Tide’s single-season record holder for points (773) and 20-point games (25) has been one of the best scorers in the country in Year 2 in Tuscaloosa, Ala., but in order for Alabama to make program history, Oats needed more from Sears, which is exactly what he got.

“We would not be in the Final Four if it was not for Mark Sears’ defense, leadership,” Oats said. “He’s turned it around a lot in that regard in the last month. I think he made a decision, he wants to play as long as possible this year, wants to put himself on a national stage.

“The only way we’re going to do that is if our best players are locked into the defensive end of the floor. He’s locked in and proved he can be a great guard defender. He’s doing it. We need him to do it on Saturday night again because he’s got to play. Our best player on offense. He’s going to play a lot of minutes.

“When your best player’s playing really hard on defense, leading the way he’s been for these last few weeks, you got a chance to make a special run like we’ve done.”

Alabama is still outside the top 100 in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency, but the Tide has been noticeably better on that end of the floor during the NCAA Tournament. UA’s 24 blocks (6.0 bpg) lead all tournament teams, while the Tide has held its opponents to shoot less than 29 percent (32-111) from beyond the arc over its four postseason contests.

Sears isn’t solely responsible for the improved defensive play, but his approach in March Madness has been contagious to his teammates as they prepare for a fight with UConn.

“That’s changed our team defense, to be honest with you,” said freshman forward Sam Walters. “I think that when he started to focus and lock in – he’s our leader, so ever since he started to do that, I feel like our team defense has changed and we’ve been able to guard better.”

Added sophomore guard Rylan Griffen, “He’s been great, especially defensively. He’s made a lot of defensive plays. We already know his offense, that was never an issue. We know he can defend. It’s just like now everybody is playing with a much more sense of urgency at times during the season.”

As for the senior’s leadership, Oats said Sears has been more vocal of late – “encouraging his teammates, talking in the huddles.” The Muscle Shoals, Ala., native is well aware of the stage he and his teammates will play on Saturday night at State Farm Stadium, but he has been one of several Crimson Tide players who have calmed their nerves up to this point.

“I say take it like it’s any other game, just more people watching,” Sears said. “That’s the fun about it. Just being able to play for the University of Alabama, just know this game has meaning, you’re not just playing for yourself.”

Tomorrow will be the biggest game of Sears and the rest of the Alabama roster’s lives, and few will be picking the Tide to beat No. 1-ranked UConn, an 11.5-point favorite. But Sears is looking to prove more people wrong in his team’s first-ever appearance in the Final Four.

“Having a first program appearance, it’s very special to soak it all in,” Sears said. “We didn’t come here just to be satisfied with making the Final Four. We obviously have goals and ambitions to win the whole thing.”

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