Labaron Philon Jr. Leaves Alabama Basketball Legacy After Standout Season

The in-state star from Mobile led the Crimson Tide to the Sweet 16 in his sophomore season.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:36am

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Labaron Philon Jr., a standout sophomore guard from Mobile, Alabama, had a decision to make last offseason - stay in the NBA draft or return to the University of Alabama for another season. Philon chose to come back, and he became one of the most prolific scorers in Tide history, finishing the year with 725 total points, the third-highest single-season total in program history. Philon led Alabama to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, where the Crimson Tide fell to Michigan. Though the season ended in defeat, Philon's legacy at Alabama was cemented with his gritty, high-scoring performances and growth as a leader.

Why it matters

Philon's decision to return to Alabama for his sophomore season was a major boost for the Crimson Tide program. As an in-state prospect, his choice to stay home and lead Alabama back to the NCAA Tournament showcased the program's ability to retain top local talent. Philon's standout season also improved his NBA draft stock, putting him in position to potentially become a lottery pick after just two years of college basketball.

The details

In his sophomore season, Philon improved in nearly every statistical category, raising his 3-point percentage from 31.5% to over 40% while also increasing his rebounding and assists. He finished the year as one of the best scoring guards in the country, shouldering an even heavier load in the NCAA Tournament after Alabama lost its second-leading scorer. Philon's 35-point performance in the Sweet 16 loss to Michigan tied his career high and capped off a season in which he cemented his place among the all-time greats in Alabama basketball history.

  • Philon chose to return to Alabama for his sophomore season last offseason.
  • Philon finished the 2025-26 season with 725 total points, the third-highest single-season total in Alabama history.
  • Alabama's season ended with a 90-77 loss to Michigan in the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament on March 28, 2026.

The players

Labaron Philon Jr.

A standout sophomore guard from Mobile, Alabama who led the Crimson Tide in scoring, rebounding, and assists this season.

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama men's basketball team, who praised Philon's decision to return to school and his growth as a leader.

Latrell Wrightsell Jr.

A senior teammate of Philon's who discussed the guard's maturity and leadership development from his freshman to sophomore seasons.

Houston Mallette

Another senior teammate of Philon's who witnessed the guard's growth both on and off the court over the past two years.

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What they’re saying

“Labaron has been a kid from Alabama that came in I think the third highest scoring season in Alabama history; pretty impressive. He was about the right stuff. He really led the team like he needed to. Just super happy for him. Proud of him. Came back; was about the right stuff; did a great job leading us.”

— Nate Oats, Head Coach, Alabama Men's Basketball

“I've seen him grow in multiple ways. Just on the court and off the court, just maturity-wise. You know, taking things more serious with treatment, showing up every single day practicing every single day. Not missing a practice. He never misses practices. He never misses a workout. He always shows up on time, never late.”

— Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Senior Teammate, Alabama Men's Basketball

What’s next

Philon is now expected to declare for the 2026 NBA Draft, where he is projected to be a potential lottery pick after his standout sophomore season at Alabama.

The takeaway

Labaron Philon Jr.'s decision to return to Alabama for his sophomore season paid off, as he cemented his legacy as one of the greatest scorers in Crimson Tide history. His growth as a leader and all-around player made him an invaluable asset for Alabama, and his NBA draft stock has skyrocketed as a result of his dominant campaign.