Sears, Estrada Meet the Media

Alabama's most likely starting back court for the upcoming basketball season will be made up of returnee Mark Sears and Hofstra transfer Aaron Estrada. Both met with the media Wednesday in Mountain Brook, Ala at SEC Basketball Media Days. Here's a first look at what each had to say.

Aaron Estrada  

On what he brings to the Alabama program 

“I’m bringing a very seasoned, poised player. This is my fifth year of college, so I kind of know what to  expect. I know I’m going to be able to help these younger guys out, and that’s really what I want to do,  honestly. I feel like that’s where I need to take a big jump, with my leadership, as fas as being vocal and  all that. I feel like all the on-court stuff will take care of itself.”  

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On what made him attracted to Alabama…  

“Ultimately, I would say they’re winners. Through all the adversity they had, they continued to perform  and win at a high level. I would say Coach Oats, too. Just the type of guy he is, he’s very authentic. He  keeps it real with you, and that’s what I was looking for. He didn’t try to sell me anything when he was  recruiting me, he just kept it real with me, and that’s ultimately what I was looking for.”  

Mark Sears  

On team mantra "Blue Collar Basketball" 

“That means max effort, continuous growth, and selfless love. Once you have put all of that together,  that really describes the way we play.”  

On the biggest thing he's working on to try to get to the next level

“I would say defense and really buying in on being an everyday defender and constantly taking my  defense to the next level.”  

On wht he expects from this team and some of the newcomers’ first impressions

“All of the newcomers really impressed me. Their work ethic is very impressive, and you can tell they  really love the game of basketball. I believe we are going to have a really exciting season again this  year.”