Labaron Philon, a fascinating 2025 NBA Draft prospect and Alabama Crimson Tide standout, credits his rapid ascent to his parents’ unwavering support.
Their influence, rooted in humble beginnings and relentless encouragement, shaped his competitive drive and basketball journey. Here’s a closer look at the family behind the phenom.
A Deeper Look at Labaron Philon’s Support System
Labaron Philon’s parents, Alicia Robinson and Labarron Philon Sr., are American nationals who raised him in Mobile, Alabama. While neither pursued professional athletics, their son’s talent emerged organically.
Alicia, who affectionately calls Labaron her “rainbow baby” — a term denoting a child born after loss — once admitted her awe at his innate skills.
“I would watch him just do amazing things on the court, and we would just be like, ‘Where does he get this stuff from?’ Because I didn’t play ball. His dad played a little ball growing up and in high school.”
Labaron Philon Sr. provided early basketball mentorship, having played casually in his youth. Though not a star, his foundational guidance helped ignite Labaron’s passion. The family’s athletic roots extended beyond his parents: Labaron’s cousin briefly played in the NFL, and his older brother, Corey, challenged him in driveway showdowns.
“I got an athletic [family]… my cousin played football for the Chargers [and] Raiders,” Philon noted.
Despite their modest background, Alicia and Labaron Sr. prioritized fostering their son’s gifts. Alicia’s emotional connection to her son and Labaron Sr.’s hands-on involvement created a nurturing environment.
“It’s not like he just comes from this family of basketball players. Like he’s just that special one, it was just in him,” Alicia emphasized.
How Labarron Philon’s Parents Supported His Basketball Journey
Philon’s competitive edge was forged in driveway battles against older family members. His father didn’t hold back, pushing him to adapt and excel.
“My dad used to get out there too and he was really good,” Labaron recalled. “It was challenging. I was the youngest player… That’s where most of my competitiveness comes from”. These sessions, often against 14-year-olds when he was just 10, honed his resilience and creativity.
When Labaron excelled in both football and basketball as a teen, his father intervened to focus his trajectory.
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“In ninth grade, my dad… had a talk with me. He was like, ‘You know you’re going to have to choose one sport,’” Philon shared. The decision to prioritize basketball proved pivotal, with Labarron Sr. ensuring his son dedicated himself fully to refining his craft.
Alicia Robinson and Labarron Philon Sr. developed their son’s talent with unflinching support, tough love, and targeted direction. From driveway drills to career-defining choices, their influence seeps into Labaron’s ascent.
“He’s just that special one,” Alicia mused, which is tribute to his natural gift and the family foundations that made it shine. As Philon moves to the NBA, the lessons in his mentorship by his parents will certainly provide the impetus for his new career.
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