ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Eckerd College men's basketball program will commemorate the accomplished duo of forward
Lance Kearse and guard
Wayne Sears Jr. in a pre-game ceremony on Saturday's Senior Day against Lynn University.
The Tritons will face the Fighting Knights in the regular-season finale around 4 p.m. in the McArthur Center before drawing first-round assignments for the start of the Sunshine State Conference Tournament next Wednesday.
EckerdTritons.com recently sat down with Kearse and Sears Jr. as they took a walk down memory lane and shared some of their most cherished thoughts about their careers.
Lance Kearse – Senior – Forward – Fort Myers, Fla. (Fort Myers/Virginia Commonwealth University)
Lance Kearse's passion for the game of basketball is apparent.
The charisma reflective of his personality, the eloquence through his voice and his infectious, effervescent smile shines glowingly through his 6-6, 245-pound frame.
Kearse's basketball I.Q. is off the charts.
When asked about his favorite play that he can remember, his immediate answer speaks volumes to the level of his aptitude on the hardcourt. It wasn't about a flashy fast-break dunk (and he's had plenty of those), or a game-winning shot, posterizing someone along the baseline, or even an alley-oop pass.
His answer was along these lines.
“The ball was passed to me on the left wing. (Darrien) Mack flashed from the opposite side. It was then a tip-pass to Wayne (Sears Jr.) and another tip pass to (Wally) in the post. All the guys touched the ball and it was a thing of beauty.”
His understanding of the X's and O's has translated into career-best numbers in his senior year that has opposing coaches diagramming defensive schemes in hopes of containing him. Kearse has evolved into an all-around threat that can make the three, crash the glass, exploit the mid-range game and show off his moves in the post.
Kearse transferred from Virginia Commonwealth University into Eckerd and has blossomed into a First-Team All-SSC and All-South Region candidate after his well-documented struggle with sickle cell trait.
It's through those unusual life experiences that have helped Kearse embrace the relationships he's formed with his teammates over the years.
“I consider these guys my brothers,” he said. “We see each other's emotions and we get each other on a more personal level. Actions just tell the story better than words and we're there for each other.”
Kearse shattered his previous career-high point total by exploding for 31 against Southeastern University in the season opener. He is currently averaging 16.5 points per game, tops on the team and is sixth in the conference in scoring.
Kearse is also tied for third in the league in rebounding (6.9 rpg) and ranks 11th in the SSC in free-throw percentage at a .771 rate. He's also fifth in the SSC in blocked shots, averaging 1.2 rejections per contest.
For all the adversity he's overcome, Kearse is able to put everything in perspective and expressed sincere gratitude to EC Head Coach
Tom Ryan for the important figure he's become in his own personal life.
“For the last three years, Coach Ryan has been a mentor and turned me into the person I am today,” he said. “He took me in when other teams turned their back on me.”
When Kearse laces up the sneakers for the final time in the regular season, he has a simple message for the returners.
“Play every game like it's your last and know that you gave it your all.”
Wayne Sears Jr. – Guard – Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Westminster Academy)
About 140 miles southeast of where his teammate Kearse grew up, Sears Jr. honed his skills at Westminster Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale.
A first glance at the slashing guard who oozes with athleticism along with a 'blew-by-you' first step and you'd think his compact build fits the mold of a 2,000-yard rusher on a college football team if you just put pads over his shoulders.
But he was a budding track star and despite competing just one year in jumping events (long jump, triple jump, high jump), his immense leaping ability had him on the map with college suitors calling for his talent.
A scholarship was waiting for him after his decorated senior year in track and field which included a Florida state title and numerous records shattered. But his heart was set on the love of hoops and he brought his talents to St. Petersburg.
The emotions may be fleeting for Sears Jr. on Saturday, but his mindset is already dialed in and focused on the task at hand, beating the visiting Fighting Knights.
“I was thinking about it just the other day and it really hasn't hit me yet,” Sears Jr. reflected. “This game (against Lynn) is huge. We need to stop this two-game skid and get back on track.”
Coach Ryan can attest that Sears Jr. is always in the gym taking extra shots or spending additional time in the weight room. It's that kind of commitment that has helped Sears Jr. establish his place in program history as a part of the exclusive 1,000-point club.
Against the University of Tampa, Sears Jr. achieved the career milestone with a game-high 19 points.
This season, he is averaging 12.4 points per game and has netted 24 points in games against the University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon and Lynn University.
Ultimately, Sears Jr. has future aspirations to stay close the game when he completes his career at Eckerd. He mentioned the possibility of playing overseas, becoming a graduate assistant coach on the college level or utilizing his degree in Management with a leadership studies minor.
“I think my basketball I.Q. has grown a lot over the years,” he said. “My freshman year I think I was more of a scorer, but Coach Ryan was a big reason why I came here and I've worked hard on making plays for my teammates.”
Eckerd Head Coach Tom Ryan on Senior Day
“It's a happy and a sad thing. The happy part is when you get to be with them at the age of 18 and watched them grow up as a student, an athlete and a young man. The sad part is when they have to move on, but that is part of life. I'm very proud of what they've accomplished and how they've carried themselves as young men. They are both what you call 'program players.' They have made everyone think the best of our program.”
