Just before the deadline where players had to make their final decisions, [Alabama basketball](https://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/) received huge news. [Labaron Philon announced his return to the Crimson Tide](https://www.al.com/alabamabasketball/2025/05/alabama-basketball-star-announces-surprise-return-to-crimson-tide-withdrawal-from-nba-draft.html) for the 2025-26 season, withdrawing from the NBA Draft.
The 6-foot-4, 177-pound Mobile native made the SEC’s all-freshman team last season. Philon had originally closed the door on a return to Alabama, but reversed course at the 11th hour, and will be back with Nate Oats and the Tide, on a roster that needed him.
With the season still a long ways off, here’s what Philon’s return could mean for UA during his sophomore campaign.
The depth
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Before Philon’s return, Alabama was low on players at his position. Aden Holloway was returning, but he was the only natural point guard on the roster for the 2025-26 season.
Speaking at the Regions Tradition celebrity pro-am earlier this month, Oats discussed how the Crimson Tide could handle its lack of depth at the position, thinking back to his early days in Tuscaloosa.
“We started Herb (Jones) and really kind of had three 2-guards around him — (Josh) Primo, (Jaden) Shackelford and (John) Petty.” Oats said. “Keon Ellis started a little bit too. All three of those guys, none of them were point guards. We can play where you’ve got a big creating wing, you look at some of what we’ve done, maybe what we’re bringing in, what we’re looking at.”
That problem is fixed now. Philon finished eighth in the SEC in assists last season, knows how Oats wants his team to play, and is more than capable as a ball-handler.
What looked previously to be a weakness of Alabama’s roster now seems to be in much better shape.
The talent
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Despite withdrawing from the draft, Philon was still likely going to be picked should he have remained in the pool. Instead, he’ll bring his pro-ready talent back to Tuscaloosa, with a full year of college experience under his belt.
Even while Philon looked to be remaining in the draft, Oats raved about what he could bring to the table.
“That’s the best thing he’s got going is he’s just ultra-competitive,” Oats said of Philon at the golf event. “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. He needs to turn himself into a little bit better shooter, but he’s not a bad shooter, he can score at a high level, and he’s young.”
Philon started 29 games for Alabama last season. He averaged 10.6 points per game, good for fifth on the team, and also chipped in with 3.3 rebounds, in addition to his 3.8 assists per game.
On paper, the Crimson Tide didn’t look to have the talent level it did during last season’s run to the Elite Eight. Now, UA should be back and ready to compete in the postseason.
The upside
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Philon was good enough to warrant a pro look last season. But like Oats said, there are still things for him to improve.
He shot 45.2% from the field last season. From three, Philon made 31.5% of his attempts.
Philon’s ball-handling skills, and passing ability are obvious. He’s also shown off a talent for creating his own shot, an attribute that often comes in handy during crunch time.
If he can get in the lab and become a better shooter, much in the way Mark Sears did during his time at Alabama, Philon could become one of the SEC’s best guards. Even before he came back, Oats had faith that he would figure that out.
“With the reps that he’ll put in, he’ll turn himself into a really good shooter,” the coach said. “He’s got all the other stuff (the NBA is) looking for.”