Alabama Fans Can Stay Optimistic Despite Mark Sears’ Struggles
On Saturday night, Alabama secured its sixth SEC win and 17th victory overall this season against LSU. If you missed the game, it might be hard to grasp just how messy it was. Picture a local high school 1A junior varsity matchup: one team donning purple and gold, the other in crimson and white. That’s essentially how this contest unfolded. The game was riddled with errors—28 total turnovers, a combined 10-for-46 showing from beyond the arc, and only 55 of 132 total shots made.
However, the disarray went beyond the stats. For much of the game, it was a chaotic affair, marked by disjointed plays and seemingly endless missteps. To make matters worse, Alabama’s Mark Sears, the preseason SEC Player of the Year, turned in his second scoreless outing of the season. Still, Alabama managed to secure the win, and as far as head coach Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide faithful are concerned, everything seems fine—for now.
Mark Sears’ Troubles Continue
The last time Sears failed to score was back on November 20 against then-No. 25 Illinois, now ranked 17th. In that matchup, Sears played 21 minutes, went 0-for-5 from the field, and later explained he opted to stay out because the group on the floor was clicking. However, Sears’ benching against LSU had a different tone. He went 0-for-3 in the first half, didn’t see any action in the second, and appeared visibly frustrated on the sideline. Nate Oats declined to elaborate post-game, choosing to avoid the topic altogether, leaving fans guessing about what happened.
Sears has not been the dominant force he was last season when he averaged 21.5 points per game over 37 outings. That season, his lowest scoring performance was nine points, a far cry from his two scoreless games this year. Yet, outside of those anomalies, he hasn’t been unproductive; his lowest scoring output, apart from the zeros, is 11 points. He’s also raised his assist average by nearly a full point, demonstrating value even when his shooting falters.
A Challenge from the Coach?
Sears’ benching seemed to reflect more than frustration over a bad shooting half—it looked like a deliberate challenge from Oats. The head coach made a point to highlight the resilience of transfer center Clifford Omoruyi, who was called out for underperforming in the first half but bounced back with an impactful second-half effort. Perhaps Sears’ benching serves as a similar wake-up call. This Alabama team is packed with offensive depth, leaving fewer opportunities for Sears to force his way back into rhythm during tough games.
A “Down Year” Doesn’t Mean Disaster
It’s important to remember that Sears’ overall performance this year, while less dominant, isn’t disastrous. His ability to get to the free-throw line and facilitate ball movement remains an asset for Alabama. While his chances of becoming the program’s all-time leading scorer are diminishing, the Tide’s depth means Sears doesn’t have to shoulder the load on offense every night. And let’s not forget, there’s plenty of basketball left this season.
A Redemption Arc on the Horizon?
Looking ahead, Sears’ story is far from over. He’s shown resilience before, and there’s little doubt he can rediscover his form as the season progresses. While his recent benching may sting, it could also serve as the catalyst that reignites his confidence. Sears still has the skill set to drain key three-pointers and deliver in high-pressure moments when Alabama needs him most.
If Sears doesn’t turn things around soon, perhaps it’s time for fans to take inspiration from the Philadelphia Phillies’ fanbase. After all, when Trea Turner was in a slump, Philly fans showed him overwhelming support, and he rebounded in dramatic fashion. Who’s to say Alabama fans couldn’t pull off a similar morale boost?
The Bigger Picture
Here’s an intriguing stat for the narrative lovers: Since 2020, Mark Sears is the only SEC Preseason Player of the Year to have a scoreless game during the season. Curiously, none of those players’ teams won the national championship. Does that mean this particular type of adversity might be an odd omen for success? Who knows—perhaps Alabama’s title hopes hinge on this unlikely factor.
For now, Alabama is thriving despite Sears’ struggles. This team is loaded with offensive firepower, and the road to March Madness is long. Sears’ slump may be temporary, and when the spotlight calls for him, expect him to shine once more.
