In a twist just before the entry deadline, Labaron Philon reversed course and will return to Alabama next season. He told the Crimson Tide-focused NIL collective, Yea Alabama, he is withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft.
Philon previously told ESPN’s Jeff Borzello he was “all-in” on the NBA Draft and told Nate Oats of his decision. However, he is now running it back in Tuscaloosa and is set to withdraw his name from the draft just before the 11:59 p.m. ET deadline Wednesday night.
Philon put together an impressive freshman season in Tuscaloosa, averaging 10.6 points and 3.8 assists while shooting 45.2% from the field, including 31.5% from three-point territory. He also led Alabama with 1.4 steals on average. Now, he’s set to return, confirming his decision with Yea Alabama – and Oats sure seemed happy.
“I am thankful for all the support from my family, friends and Alabama throughout this process,” Philon told Yea Alabama director of content Aaron Suttles. “I learned a lot throughout the NBA Draft process and received a lot of great feedback. After careful consideration, I am happy to announce that I will be returning to Alabama for my sophomore season! Roll Tide!”
As he went through the pre-draft process, Philon generated buzz as a late-first or early-second round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo recently projected him to go No. 33 overall to the Charlotte Hornets in their most recent mock draft last week. On3’s James Fletcher III also ranked Philon as the No. 27 overall player on his latest Big Board.
“Labaron Philon played a large role in his freshman season, getting many on-ball reps for a team which had an All-American returning at point guard,” Fletcher wrote. “He brings intensity, rim pressure, and some playmaking upside which needs a 3-point shot to fully round out the value. However, he is the type of athlete and competitor who likely earns his way onto the floor while working out his flaws.”
Labaron Philon played high school basketball at Link Academy (MO), where he was a four-star prospect, but is originally from Mobile, Ala. He was the No. 35 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
Philon’s return is a huge boost for Alabama, which is looking to build on a 28-9 overall record and Elite Eight appearance. The Crimson Tide have four transfers coming in, headlined by former Florida State forward Taylor Bol Bowen – the No. 52 overall player in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings. Their high school recruiting class also ranked No. 10 in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Ranking.
