Alabama Sophomore Guard Labaron Philon Weighs in on Future After Regular Season Finale

Philon says he hasn't thought much about it, but "feels" like his Alabama career is coming to an end.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Alabama's 96-84 victory over Auburn was the final game of the season in Coleman Coliseum. For Alabama's trio of seniors, Latrell Wrightsell Jr., Houston Mallette, and Noah Williamson, it was the final home game of their collegiate careers. It may have also been Labaron Philon's final home game of his career, as the sophomore guard is viewed as a consensus lottery pick in this summer's NBA draft.

Why it matters

Philon has improved his game drastically after going through the NBA draft process a season ago, increasing his points per game from 10.6 as a freshman to 21.6 as a sophomore. His potential departure would be a significant loss for the Alabama basketball program.

The details

Philon exited Alabama's victory over Auburn with 2:47 left in the second half to a standing ovation from the Crimson Tide faithful, as fans expected it was the final time Philon would play for head coach Nate Oats and Alabama in Coleman Coliseum. The star sophomore says he hasn't thought much about it, but "feels" like it's getting close to the end.

  • On Saturday night, Alabama defeated the Auburn Tigers 96-84 in the regular season finale in the final home game of the season.
  • Philon exited Alabama's victory over Auburn with 2:47 left in the second half.

The players

Labaron Philon

A sophomore guard for the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team who is viewed as a consensus lottery pick in this summer's NBA draft.

Nate Oats

The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team.

Latrell Wrightsell Jr.

One of Alabama's trio of seniors who played their final home game of their collegiate careers.

Houston Mallette

One of Alabama's trio of seniors who played their final home game of their collegiate careers.

Noah Williamson

One of Alabama's trio of seniors who played their final home game of their collegiate careers.

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What they’re saying

“I really haven't really thought about it. Just keeping my head on Alabama basketball, really trying to be in the moment. It's been great to see all the fans; the people have a big impact on my career. I would say being in the moment now, being able to play another game after another game, it's been a great feeling. I haven't really thought about it yet.”

— Labaron Philon, Alabama Sophomore Guard (tuscaloosathread.com)

“Pretty sure it's getting close, though. I feel like we're gonna go on a run here, and we're gonna put everything into Alabama basketball.”

— Labaron Philon, Alabama Sophomore Guard (tuscaloosathread.com)

What’s next

While no date has been set for the NBA draft or the deadline for players to declare for the draft, Philon tested the draft waters last season and is expected to declare again this year.

The takeaway

Philon's potential departure would be a significant loss for the Alabama basketball program, as he has improved his game drastically and is viewed as a consensus lottery pick in this summer's NBA draft.