In a surprising last-minute decision, Alabama freshman guard Labaron Philon has opted to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and return to Tuscaloosa for his sophomore season. The announcement came just before the 11:59 p.m. ET deadline on Wednesday night, reversing his earlier declaration that he was “all-in” on going pro.
Philon shared the news through Alabama’s NIL collective, Yea Alabama, stating, “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!”
The former four-star recruit from Mobile, Alabama, played his high school ball at Link Academy (MO) and was ranked No. 35 nationally in the 2024 class by the On3 Industry Ranking. He made a strong impression during his freshman year at Alabama, averaging 10.6 points, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Philon also shot 45.2% from the field and 31.5% from beyond the arc.
His performance generated significant NBA interest, with ESPN projecting him as the 33rd overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets in their latest mock draft. On3’s James Fletcher III had Philon ranked No. 27 on his Big Board, praising his competitiveness, rim pressure, and playmaking potential — while noting that further development in his three-point shot would elevate his game.
Philon’s return provides a substantial boost to an Alabama team that finished the previous season with a 28-9 record and reached the Elite Eight. With four notable transfers joining the roster — including former Florida State forward Taylor Bol Bowen — and a top-10 recruiting class, the Crimson Tide are poised for another deep NCAA tournament run.
Alabama head coach Nate Oats celebrated Philon’s decision with a welcoming tweet, and fans echoed the excitement. Philon’s presence will add valuable experience and on-ball leadership to a team hungry for a Final Four appearance.
Overall, Philon’s decision to forgo the draft and return to college signals both maturity and a commitment to team success — and positions him to further elevate his draft stock in the 2026 NBA Draft.
