Alabama basketball continues to make noise ahead of the 2025–26 season, as two of Nate Oats’ standout guards — Labaron Philon and Aden Holloway — have been named to the preseason All-SEC teams. The recognition underscores the Crimson Tide’s growing stature as one of the conference’s most complete and dangerous programs.
Philon, a dynamic sophomore and Mobile native, earned first-team All-SEC honors after a breakout freshman season. He averaged 10.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, displaying both maturity and playmaking beyond his years. His decision to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and return to Tuscaloosa may prove pivotal for Alabama’s championship aspirations.
“His competitiveness is what separates him,” said head coach Nate Oats earlier this offseason. “He’s got great size for a point guard, sees the floor really well, and his basketball IQ is off the charts. We’ve been working with him to become a more consistent shooter, but he already scores at a high level — and he’s still young.”
Philon joins elite company on the first team, including Florida’s Alex Condon, Mississippi State’s Josh Hubbard, Kentucky’s Otega Oweh, and Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford — setting up some thrilling SEC matchups to come.
Meanwhile, Aden Holloway — who transferred from Auburn last season — was selected to the third-team All-SEC after an impressive first year in crimson and white. Holloway played a key role in Alabama’s Elite Eight run, averaging 11.4 points per game while emerging as one of the nation’s premier perimeter threats.
Oats praised Holloway’s evolution, saying, “He’s one of the best shooters in the country and a big part of our offensive identity. Having him in his second year with us, we’re expecting him to take another step forward.”
Despite the accolades, Alabama was projected to finish fourth in the SEC, behind Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee — a ranking that could serve as motivation for a team accustomed to defying expectations.
With Philon’s playmaking, Holloway’s shooting, and Oats’ fast-paced system, the Crimson Tide enter the 2025–26 season with confidence, chemistry, and the firepower to chase another deep postseason run.
If Alabama’s backcourt lives up to the hype, the Tide might just rise higher than anyone expects —
