The University of Alabama men’s basketball team just wrapped up a historic regular season on the basketball court, finishing ranked in the top-five of the AP Poll and for the first time in the history of the program maintaining a top-ten ranking from the beginning through the end of the year.
As has been the case for the last two seasons, things were led for the Tide by senior point guard and Muscle Shoals native Mark Sears — especially on the offensive side of the ball.
Ever since transferring back to his home state from Ohio University three years ago, Sears has been one of the most important players on the team and is arguably the most accomplished player in the history of the program.
For his efforts during the 2024-25 season, Sears was honored by being named to All-SEC First Team after another tremendous campaign, recognizing him as one of the five best players in the conference.
Also honored was freshman star Labaron Philon, who was named to the All-SEC Freshman team himself.
Philon, a Mobile native who attended the start of his high school career at Baker High School where he put up ridiculous numbers for the Hornets, had a really nice season for the Tide. Averaging nearly 11 points per game and over three rebounds and three assists while playing limited minutes, the former 251 stud was able to contribute in a big way and made the most of his time on the court.
For Sears, it’s the second time in his career he has made the first team, becoming just the ninth player in program history to do that. It was a statistically dynamic season for the veteran, averaging 19.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game with 18 games over 20 points and three games of over 30 points.
It was certainly the final season of Sears’ Alabama career and could have been for Philon as well, who will have a chance to be a first round pick in the NBA draft should he choose to leave.
Sears was honored to the first team alongside Auburn Tigers star Johni Broome, Texas A&M Aggies Wade Taylor IV, Tennessee Volunteers guard Zakai Zeigler, and Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr.
Philon joins the All-Freshman team with Jeremiah Fears of the Oklahoma Sooners, Tahaad Pettiford of Auburn, Tre Johnson of the Texas Longhorns, and Asa Newell of the Georgia Bulldogs.
