Alabama Guard Mark Sears Tops Odds For NPOY

Last season, Alabama followed up one of its most historic regular seasons in 2023 with a historic Final Four run after entering the tournament as a No. 4 seed. The Crimson Tide was helped by historic performances from forwards Grant Nelson and Jarin Stevenson, but the consistent star was guard Mark Sears.

Sears participated in the NBA Combine before ultimately deciding to return to Tuscaloosa for his sixth and final season of college eligibility.

Now, the former Ohio University star is the betting favorite to win the National Player of the Year Award, according to BetMGm sportsbook.

Sitting at +700 odds, Sears and North Carolina guard R.J. Davis lead a group of veteran players who will vie for the pristine achievement.

Sears, a 2023-34 Second Team All-American, broke Alabama's record for points scored in a season with 797 during the Crimson Tide's Final Four trip. During the NCAA Tournament alone, Sears totaled 121 points, which was second in the country, while averaging 24.2 points per game.

The NCAA West Region Most Outstanding Player returns to a team that is a national title contender after the additional returns of Nelson, Stevenson, and guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr.

The Crimson Tide also welcomed an incredible influx of talent from the transfer portal, No. 7 portal class, and high school recruiting, No. 2 recruiting class.

Sears will work off screens from defensive menace Cliff Omoruyi while also kicking the ball to long-ball snipers in transfer guards Aden Holloway, Chris Youngblood, and Houston Mallette.

Related: Alabama in the Elite Tier of KenPom's Preseason Rankings