Star Alabama Men's Basketball Guard Labaron Philon Declares for NBA Draft

Philon was the Crimson Tide's leading scorer last season as a sophomore.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:07pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements of a basketball player, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in shades of blue, orange, and green conveying the energy and intensity of the sport.Philon's NBA draft declaration signals a major transition for the Alabama basketball program as it looks to rebuild around new leaders.Mobile Today

Alabama men's basketball guard Labaron Philon has officially declared for the NBA draft, according to his Instagram. Philon was the Crimson Tide's leading scorer last season, averaging 22 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting 50.1% from the floor and 39.9% from beyond the arc as a sophomore.

Why it matters

Philon's decision to enter the NBA draft for the second consecutive offseason is a significant loss for the Alabama men's basketball program, as he was a key contributor and leader for the team. His departure, along with the transfers of forward Taylor Bol Bowen and center Aiden Sherrell, will leave the Crimson Tide with some major holes to fill heading into the 2026-27 season.

The details

Philon started 32 of his 33 games played for the Crimson Tide last season and was trusted by head coach Nate Oats in several key situations. In Philon's final game with the Crimson Tide, a Sweet 16 loss to the eventual national champion Michigan Wolverines, Philon tied his career-high in points with 35 while collecting seven rebounds. This is the second offseason Philon has declared for the NBA draft, but he is viewed as a lottery pick in this Summer's NBA draft. Philon was a fringe first-rounder last year, and at the 11th hour, returned to Alabama for his sophomore campaign with the Crimson Tide.

  • Philon declared for the NBA draft on April 7, 2026.

The players

Labaron Philon

A star sophomore guard for the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team who led the team in scoring last season and has now declared for the NBA draft for the second consecutive offseason.

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team.

Taylor Bol Bowen

A forward who has entered the transfer portal after playing for Alabama.

Aiden Sherrell

A center who has entered the transfer portal after playing for Alabama.

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What they’re saying

“This is the second offseason Philon has declared for the NBA draft, but he is viewed as a lottery pick in this Summer's NBA draft.”

— Wyatt Fulton, Reporter

What’s next

Philon will now go through the NBA draft process, including the NBA Combine and individual team workouts, as he looks to solidify his status as a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The takeaway

Philon's decision to declare for the NBA draft is a significant blow to the Alabama men's basketball program, as he was their leading scorer and a key contributor. His departure, along with the transfers of other key players, will leave the Crimson Tide with major holes to fill heading into next season. However, Philon's potential as a lottery pick in the NBA draft represents a major opportunity for him to achieve his professional basketball dreams.