Before March Madness, Mark Sears made a stern promise to Alabama basketball fans.

As the Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball team prepares for the upcoming Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament and the NCAA March Madness, graduate point guard Mark Sears has delivered a resolute message to fans, underscoring the team’s commitment to securing championships. Reflecting on his collegiate journey, which began at Ohio University and culminated at Alabama, Sears emphasized the importance of the forthcoming games, stating, “Three wins in the SEC tournament and hopefully six during March Madness. Every game, every possession is going to matter.”

Sears’ decision to return to Tuscaloosa for his final season, foregoing the NBA draft, was driven by an unfulfilled aspiration: capturing a national title with the Crimson Tide. His leadership has been instrumental in Alabama’s impressive 24-7 overall record and 13-5 mark in SEC play this season. His performance has not gone unnoticed, as he was honored with All-SEC recognition in his final season.

The team’s recent victory over the top-ranked Auburn Tigers, where Sears hit a game-winning floater as time expired in overtime, has further galvanized the squad and its supporters. This signature win not only snapped a two-game skid but also provided Alabama with significant momentum entering the SEC tournament.

Sears’ commitment to excellence is further evidenced by his selection to the Associated Press preseason All-America men’s basketball team, highlighting his pivotal role in Alabama’s historic Final Four appearance and the team’s aspirations for a national championship.

As the Crimson Tide embarks on this critical stretch, Sears’ leadership and the team’s collective determination aim to etch a new chapter in Alabama basketball history, bringing a championship back to Tuscaloosa.