Alabama men’s basketball guard Labaron Philon Jr. has been named one of 50 candidates on the 2025-26 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Player of the Year Watch List, as announced by the organization on Monday. This prestigious recognition marks an exciting start to the season for Philon, who is among the elite players in college basketball.
Philon Jr. is one of only 12 players from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) to earn a spot on the Naismith Player of the Year Watch List. His accomplishments this season further include being selected as one of five SEC players on the NABC Player of the Year Watch List and making the prestigious Bob Cousy Award Watch List, which honors the top point guard in college basketball.
Entering his sophomore season, Philon Jr. is already recognized as a Preseason First Team All-SEC selection, making him the sixth player from the University of Alabama to achieve this under head coach Nate Oats. Notable previous recipients include John Petty Jr. (2021), Jaden Shackelford (2022), Jahvon Quinerly (2022), Grant Nelson (2024), and Mark Sears (2025).
During his freshman season, Philon Jr. averaged 10.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He ranked eighth in the SEC for assists and fourth in the league for assist-to-turnover ratio (2.2). Additionally, he was recognized as a 2025 SEC All-Freshman Team honoree, becoming the eighth Alabama freshman to earn this honor under Coach Oats.
Philon Jr.’s recognition reflects his hard work and talent and adds to the optimism surrounding the Alabama Crimson Tide’s basketball program as they embark on a new season. Fans and supporters of Alabama basketball can look forward to watching Philon’s continued development and contributions to the team.