Alabama's basketball team received a major boost late Wednesday night when guard Labaron Philon reversed his decision about the 2025 NBA draft and withdrew from it.
Alabama's NIL collective, Yea Alabama, announced minutes before the NCAA's midnight deadline that Philon would return to school and not remain in the NBA draft, which will be held next month.
"I am thankful for all the support from my family, friends and Alabama throughout this process," Philon said in a statement. "I learned a lot throughout the NBA Draft process and received a lot of great feedback. After careful consideration, I am happy to announce that I will be returning to Alabama for my sophomore season! Roll Tide!"
Philon was No. 43 in ESPN's 2025 NBA draft rankings but had received some media projections as a late first-round pick.
The deadline-day decision came two weeks after Philon participated in the NBA draft combine and told ESPN he was "all-in on the draft" and it was his final decision. Philon said he already informed coach Nate Oats of his plans.
But Philon had earlier waffled on the subject, telling The SchuZ Show in late April that, "I would say 100% draft, but things can change. You never know." When Philon announced in April he would enter the draft, he said he was "all-in" on turning pro.
NCAA rules allow players to enter the draft and hire an NCAA-certified agent while maintaining their eligibility to withdraw by May 28 and return to school.
Alabama now has 12 scholarship players on its 2025-26 roster, with Philon likely filling a hole Oats was exploring in recent weeks filling through the transfer portal.
Philon finished fifth on the Tide last season in scoring, averaging 10.6 points per game, while leading the team with 50 steals and finishing second behind Mark Sears with 140 assists.
Alabama's backcourt lost Sears and Chris Youngblood to graduation, but will return Philon and Aden Holloway, as well as Latrell Wrightsell Jr. and Houston Mallette from injuries. It also added Miami transfer Jalil Bethea and two freshmen in Davion Hannah and Amari Allen.