Alabama basketball's Labaron Philon, a star freshman guard on the Crimson Tide's 2024-25 Elite Eight team, has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, per ESPN's Jonathan Givony. Philon told ESPN he is "all in on starting on my pro career," meaning it's unlikely that he has left the door open for a return to Tuscaloosa.
NEWS: Alabama's Labaron Philon will enter the NBA Draft, he told ESPN. Philon, an SEC All-Freshman team member, says he's "all in on starting my pro career."
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 14, 2025
Philon brings strong two-way versatility and winning qualities NBA teams covet at the point guard position. pic.twitter.com/phyS65X47s
Philon started 29 of 37 games for Alabama this season. He was an All-SEC freshman team member and averaged 10.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.
Most expected Philon to test the NBA Draft waters and at least gather feedback from teams. With the way his announcement sounds, it appears he is not leaving the door open to return to college basketball next season and is instead betting on himself in the process that he'll end up in the first round of the draft.
Philon has a wide-range of draft possibilities. ESPN has had him projected as a 2nd rounder, while the Ringer is much higher on the Mobile native, ranking him No. 11 overall on their big board.
How Nate Oats, Alabama basketball moves forward from here
Philon was the last remaining roster decision that Nate Oats and Alabama was waiting for. Now, with Philon turning pro, and Derrion Reid and Jarin Stevenson entering the Transfer Portal, the Crimson Tide has three open roster spots for next season.
Lead guard becomes an immediate priority for Oats and company in the portal. With Philon gone, Alabama's only true lead guard type on the roster now is Aden Holloway, who was much more comfortable in an off-ball role last season. Alabama also has a pair of other combo guards in Latrell Wrightsell and Miami (FL) transfer Jalil Bethea.
What's left in the portal for lead guards is slim pickings at the moment. The window is open for a little longer so there still could be an entry or two that is of interest to the staff.
Philon leaving is a tough blow, but his decision to enter without maintaining his eligibility means that Oats can move on immediately instead of waiting around to see if Philon was going to return to Tuscaloosa or not depending on the feedback he receives from scouts.
Now, Alabama can go full-court press on filling out the roster without being held up on Philon's decision.