Lately, the Alabama Crimson Tide have become regulars in NBA Draft conversations. In 2025, three names from the Crimson Tide will likely be seen at the NBA draft. Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, and Labaron Philon received invites to the 2025 NBA Draft Combine.
In addition, Alabama also has two more eligible prospects, Chris Youngblood and Clifford Omoruyi. But Youngblood and Omoruyi did not get Combine invites. So, where are these big names likely to land?
Where Will the Big Names of Alabama, Including Labaron Philon, Mark Sears, and Others, Be Drafted?
With five Crimson Tide hoopers on the 2025 draft radar, CSN’s latest mock draft clearly shows who is rising and who might be slipping.
1. Labaron Philon | First-Round Hopes with Brooklyn
The freshman guard, Labaron Philon, has become one of the most spoken about names in this year’s draft. After a winding recruitment that included commitments to both Auburn and Kansas, he eventually landed in Tuscaloosa. Philon has averaged 10.6 points, 3.3 boards, and 3.8 assists.
Bama Trio headed to the NBA Combine.#RollTide | #BlueCollarBasketball pic.twitter.com/7P4KFiiCAq
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) May 3, 2025
CSN’s mock draft currently projects Philon to go to the Brooklyn Nets, who want to add young names to their backcourt. His size at 6’4″, court vision, and efficiency make him a good fit for a team building toward the future. While ESPN has Philon at No. 33 to Charlotte, CSN is betting on the Nets snapping him earlier. This could also mean a potential first-round payday.
2. Mark Sears | Steady Rise to the Memphis Grizzlies
Mark Sears started his collegiate hoops journey at Ohio. And then transferred to Alabama. He is now on the NBA radar. With one of the most complete college resumes in this class, Sears averaged 21.5 points as a senior, shot over 43% from three, and became the SEC’s best from the deep.
CSN sees him landing with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies are known for developing guards and giving them room to grow. With backup point guard minutes up for grabs, Sears could be precisely what Memphis needs. Sears has exhausted his college eligibility and has all his chips on the table this time.
3. Grant Nelson | On the Bubble
While Grant Nelson is a name that made a lot of noise at North Dakota State, his transition to Alabama came with mixed results. Despite averaging 11.9 points and 5.9 rebounds, Nelson hasn’t soared in the draft rankings.
CSN has him as likely to go undrafted, but that doesn’t mean teams aren’t watching. Nelson has a 6’10” build and a strong showing in pre-draft workouts. This could potentially put him in second-round contention.
4. Chris Youngblood | G-League Route
After transferring from USF, where he earned AAC Player of the Year, Chris Youngblood had a good run at Alabama. He went on to average 10.3 points on 38.8% shooting from three. Yet, he did not get a combine invite. But he did make it to the G League Elite Camp.
Sources: The 2025 NBA G League Elite Camp list has been unveiled below. A select number of standout players from this event will also be invited to participate in the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. pic.twitter.com/ILTGJZrJ85
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 4, 2025
CSN doesn’t project Youngblood to be drafted in June, but the door isn’t closed. His shooting, strength, and defensive mindset could catch the eye of NBA scouts in the Summer League.
But Alabama fandom knows all too well that undrafted doesn’t mean unsigned. Just ask JaMychal Green or Braxton Key.
KEEP READING: Where Will Georgetown’s Stars Go in 2025 NBA Draft? Latest Projections For Thomas Sorber, Micah Peavy, and Others
5. Clifford Omoruyi | On Dallas’ Radar But Remains Undrafted
Clifford Omoruyi may not hear his name called on draft night, at least according to CSN projections. However, the Dallas Mavericks are keeping tabs. With no second-round pick but a tendency to trade into that space, Dallas has brought Omoruyi in for workouts.
Sources tell @DALHoopsJournal the Dallas Mavericks will host Alabama’s Clifford Omoruyi and Marshall’s Obinna Anochili-Killen for pre-draft workouts next week. https://t.co/YMKQ2bylqa
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) May 22, 2025
If he doesn’t get drafted, there’s a real chance he ends up as a two-way signing or Summer League standout. His journey may be longer, but it’s not over. Omoruyi is raw offensively, but has athleticism, shot-blocking, and high energy. Those are things that cannot be taught.
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