Two years ago, when Alabama head coach Nate Oats led the Crimson Tide to its first-ever No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, Alabama was led by freshman superstar and future top-3 NBA draft pick Brandon Miller. This season, the Crimson Tide is led by upperclassmen highlighted by fifth-year seniors Mark Sears and Grant Nelson.
Yet, there is still one freshman who is a building block of the team: guard Labaron Philon.
With the high-powered BYU offense up next, Philon described his mindset as the team's top defender.
"I like it," Philon said of the defensive intensity. "Before every shoot around or (breakdown) of the gameplan that we have, whoever their best player is, I'm going to start on him."
Philon also detailed how that affects his game.
"I just take it as another game, but it's definitely an opportunity for me to showcase my defensive skills and tactics," Philon said.
Philon also mentioned how his teammates and coaches attempt to pump him up and prepare him to face the opponent's number one guy. Philon's response to their antics:
"Yeah, I'm ready," Philon said.
In the Crimson Tide's Round of 32 victory over St. Mary's, Philon showed his defensive prowess finishing with three steals, two blocks, and six rebounds to go along with his six points. The former four-star is averaing 10.5 points per game, 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
Alabama and BYU is set to tip off at 6:09 Central Time on Thursday night to kick off the Sweet 16.
Related: Nate Oats Details What Makes BYU Tough to Guard
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This story was originally published March 26, 2025 at 2:48 PM.