Labaron Philon’s NBA Decision Is In—and Alabama Fans Kinda Saw It Coming
After weeks of wondering if he might come back for another season, Alabama freshman star Labaron Philon has made it official—he’s staying in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Philon told ESPN’s Jeff Borzello about his decision while at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. While he technically left the door open for a return when he first declared, this move was pretty much expected. One big clue? He didn’t even suit up for the 5-on-5 games at the Combine—usually a sign that a player feels good about where they stand with NBA teams.
There’s even buzz that Philon might’ve gotten a first-round promise, which would explain the confidence. Most mock drafts have him going in the late first or early second round, and the financial difference between those two spots is huge. So if he’s sticking in the draft, chances are he feels locked into that top 30.
As for Alabama coach Nate Oats? He wasn’t surprised. Philon told him ahead of time before announcing it publicly, so Oats and the staff were already preparing for life without their breakout freshman guard.
Philon had a strong season in Tuscaloosa and looked like he could’ve been the centerpiece of next year’s squad if he came back. But with his draft stock rising all year, a one-and-done path always felt like the likely outcome.
So what now for Bama’s backcourt? Oats mentioned they don’t necessarily need a true point guard with Philon and Mark Sears gone. They’ve still got Aden Holloway and several capable secondary ball-handlers to run the offense.
That said, there’s a name to keep an eye on: Boogie Fland. The Arkansas guard just pulled out of the draft and hit the Transfer Portal. Alabama could be a real contender for him—though he’ll likely come with a steep NIL price tag. Still, with Oats and lead assistant Preston Murphy’s track record, Alabama doesn’t always need to outspend to win the recruiting battle.
And let’s be real—if Fland wants to shine, Tuscaloosa might be the perfect place to do it.
