In a thrilling turn of events just minutes before the deadline to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft, Alabama guard Labaron Philon made the decision to return to school, stunning many who had viewed him as a likely late-first-round pick. His return not only strengthens Alabama for the upcoming 2025-26 season but also gives Philon a chance to enhance his draft stock as he steps into a more prominent role following the departure of All-American guard Mark Sears.
Philon’s readiness to embrace the challenge was evident during Alabama’s impressive 103-96 victory over No. 5 St. John’s at Madison Square Garden. He showcased his potential by scoring 25 points, with 15 of those coming in a crucial second half, finishing the game with an impressive shooting percentage of 10 of 17. His performance included three assists, all during a game where he had to navigate foul trouble, further highlighting his resilience.
One of the standout moments of Philon’s performance came when he hit a pivotal step-back three-pointer in the closing minutes, extending Alabama’s lead from seven to ten points and effectively sealing the game. This victory not only underscored Alabama’s competitiveness but also positioned Philon as a key player capable of leading the team in the absence of Sears, who had been a vital contributor the previous season.
Philon’s freshman season laid the groundwork for his emergence this year; he averaged 10.6 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds over 37 games, albeit in a supporting role behind more prominent players. However, with a newfound opportunity, he is proving himself as a formidable force on the court.
Alabama head coach Nate Oats, who has adeptly managed roster changes since his arrival in 2019, has faced significant challenges ahead of this season, including the loss of several top scorers. The return of Philon, however, may be one of Oats’ most significant victories, potentially paving the way for another strong postseason run. As the Crimson Tide currently hold the 10th-best odds to reach the Final Four, optimism surrounds the program amid a challenging slate of upcoming games against top-ranked teams.
Alabama’s upcoming matchups against powerhouses like No. 1 Purdue and Gonzaga demonstrate Coach Oats’ commitment to preparing his squad for the rigors of SEC play. The victory over St. John’s not only reaffirms Alabama’s position among the elite teams in college basketball but also allows Philon to shape his legacy and potentially secure a spot in the lottery during the next NBA Draft. With his trajectory looking promising, both Philon and Alabama have much to be excited about as the season unfolds.