A couple of weeks ago, Labaron Philon said the door was closed on a return to Alabama basketball. But, apparently, it wasn’t locked.
Hours after the news dropped that Auburn‘s Tahaad Pettiford would return to the Plains, Alabama‘s NIL collective Yea Alabama announced the Crimson Tide’s freshman star from Mobile, Ala. will be back in Tuscaloosa for his sophomore season.
Players had until 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday to withdraw their names from the 2025 NBA Draft. With 28 minutes to the deadline, Yea Alabama shared to social media that Philon’s time at Alabama isn’t done.
Alabama basketball star Labaron Philon returning for sophomore season
Philon declared for the NBA Draft on Apr. 14 and was projected by CBS Sports to go as either the 28th overall pick to the Boston Celtics, or the 29th overall pick to the Phoenix Suns. While testing the waters of the draft, Philon was also seen working out at the Los Angeles Lakers facility.
The SEC All-Freshman selection averaged 10.9 points, shooting 45.2% from the floor, with 3.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in over 37 appearances. He led UA with 50 steals on the program’s run to the Elite Eight.
“I am thankful for all the support from my family, friends and Alabama throughout this process,” Philon said. “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!”
With Philon back on the roster, the Crimson Tide will have six guards, including incoming freshman Davion Hannah, Miami transfer Jalil Bethea and returning members Aden Holloway, Latrell Wrightsell Jr. and Houston Mallette, for the 2025-26 season.
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Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.
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