LaBaron Philon’s choice to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and return to Alabama for his sophomore year brings much-needed stability to a Crimson Tide roster undergoing significant changes.
After a standout freshman season, Philon initially declared for the draft and told reporters at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago that he was “fully committed to turning pro” with “no intentions of returning to the NCAA.” However, he reversed course just before the May 28 deadline at 11:59 p.m. ET, opting to come back and reshape Alabama’s backcourt for the 2025–26 campaign.
Crimson Tide Rejoice: LaBaron Philon Reverses Draft Plans, Rejoins Alabama for 2025–26 Season
Philon’s decision to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and return to Alabama for his sophomore season is a significant boost for head coach Nate Oats and a program navigating substantial change.
The 6-foot-4, 177-pound point guard had been projected as a late first- or early second-round pick, ranking No. 29 in Rookie Scale’s most recent consensus mock. But just before the NCAA’s May 28 withdrawal deadline, Philon opted to stay in Tuscaloosa.
WOW: LaBaron Philon is withdrawing from the NBA Draft and returning to Alabama. 🐘
He announced a week and a half ago that he was staying in the draft.
College Basketball 📈 pic.twitter.com/K11qInoKZ7
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) May 29, 2025
At the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, Philon measured 6 feet 2.75 inches without shoes and had a 6-foot-6.25 wingspan, though he did not participate in five-on-five scrimmages.
Philon averaged 10.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game as a freshman, starting 29 of Alabama’s 37 contests. He shot 45.2% from the field, 31.5% from beyond the arc, and 76.7% at the free-throw line.
His floater was one of the most productive and efficient in college basketball, and per CBB Analytics, he ranked among the nation’s top freshmen in 3-pointers assisted.
Oats, speaking earlier in May at the Regions Tradition pro-am, voiced support for Philon’s draft pursuit:
“He’s got to do well in the workouts, but what I’m hearing is, I think he’s going to get drafted,” he said. “So, that’s the plan right now.”
Still, the Crimson Tide will undoubtedly welcome his return.
“That’s the best thing he’s got going is he’s just ultra-competitive,” Oats added. “But he’s got good size for a point guard, he knows how to set teammates up, he’s got a high IQ, and his skill level’s high.”
KEEP READING: Alabama Basketball Aiming To Put On A Show For The Upcoming College Basketball Season
Alabama must replace four starters from its Elite Eight run, including Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, Chris Youngblood, and Clifford Omoruyi. Philon’s return provides critical leadership and familiarity with Oats’ system. He is expected to rejoin the starting backcourt alongside Aden Holloway and Latrell Wrightsell Jr., with top recruit Jalil Bethea adding further depth.
Philon’s return enhances Alabama’s backcourt versatility and positions the Tide for another NCAA Tournament push.
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