Alabama Men’s Basketball Players Named to Numerous Award Watchlists

The basketball season is upon us and with it comes the preseason watchlists and accolades. With the return of Mark Sears and Grant Nelson, and the addition of Clifford Omoruyi, the 2024-2025 season looks to be a special one for the Tide.

Alabama men's basketball seniors Grant Nelson, Clifford Omoruyi, and Mark Sears have been selected to the John R. Wooden Award Preseason Top 50 Watch List. The trio is part of an elite group of student-athletes being considered for the Wooden Award, which recognizes the All-American Team and honors the nation’s Most Outstanding Player. While all three are named to the Wooden award, there are other accolades placed for each player as well.

Grant Nelson: 

- Named to the Karl Malone Award Watch List for the second straight season

- Named to the Naismith Trophy Men’s College Player of the Year

- A Preseason Second Team All-SEC selection by coaches and media

- Named to the 2024 NCAA West Region All-Tournament Team

Clifford Omoruyi:

- Named to the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Watch List after being a finalist in 2023

- A Big Ten All-Defensive Team honoree in back-to-back seasons

Mark Sears: 

- Named to the Bob Cousy Award Watch List

- Named to the Naismith Trophy Men’s College Player of the Year Watch List

- NABC Player of the Year Watch List

- SEC Preseason Player of the Year

- Associated Press Preseason All-America First Team selection

With those accolades now being dished out, it brings big expectations. It is shaping up to be one of, if not the biggest, seasons in Alabama hoops history. Let's have fun watching these guys ball and see what they can do.

Make sure to tune in to tomorrow night's game against Arkansas State at 7 p.m. ct. to watch these guys prove their watchlist standings.

Roll Tide and beat LSU!!