There's been a lot of news about who Alabama wouldn't have on the floor for the NCAA tournament, but Labaron Philon Jr. has always been there and Friday afternoon he reminded everyone what kind of special talent he is.
With the sophomore guard leading the way, the Crimson Tide had more than enough to send Hofstra packing and will now face Texas Tech on Sunday with a great opportunity to advance to the Sweet Sixteen for the fifth time under Nate Oats.
Labaron Philon Jr. is COOKING as Alabama’s lead stretches in clutch time 😤🔥
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 20, 2026
pic.twitter.com/QDAiBUs8Ks
Things were a little shaky early when Alabama was down double digits to the Pride, but the Tide weathered the early storm and battled back to take a 37-35 halftime lead. In the second half, Philon Jr. and crew came out strong and overpowered Hofstra to turn what could've been a battle into an easy 20-point win.
All the talk after the game was about Philon. With Aden Holloway unavailable after his arrest earlier this week, Philon.was going to have to take on an even greater role on the offense and the All-SEC first-teamer did just that with 29 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
Alabama fans react to Labaron Philon Jr.'s standout performance
With 21 points in the second half, Philon Jr. was the clear player of the game. His performance got the deserved attention of Crimson Tide fans and fans of teams that are likely to be selecting players inside the top ten of the NBA Draft.
I have had Labaron Philon lotto for the entire cycle (T10 for most of it) and I don’t plan on changing that. Think he’s the exact type of dynamic guard you would want for a March Madness run.
— Lucas Skinner (@redcooteay) March 20, 2026
I hope I can watch LaBaron Philon play 5 more games with Alabama an winning the Natty an LaBaron being named MVP of the entire NCAA Tourney because LaBaron is going to be a lottery pick in the NBA draft but I would suspend Holloway the rest of the year an reinstate him next year
— Eastman Lewis (@EastmanLewis1) March 20, 2026
Labaron Philon: 29 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals
— Bama Perspective (@bamaperspective) March 20, 2026
Aiden Sherrell: 15 points, 15 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal, 1 assist
All-time great Bama NCAA Tournament games for a Tide guard and center.
Labaron Philon really dat boy🔥
— Coy (@Lilhamp_3) March 20, 2026
Need the Warriors to keep losing this season so we could see Labaron Philon in San Francisco
— Jalen 🇵ðŸ‡ðŸ‡²ðŸ‡½ (@Air_Jalen23) March 20, 2026
I’m rocking with Labaron Philon to win it all idc that’s my favorite college player
— BANKROLL BUILDER (@Yousoundstupid4) March 20, 2026
Philon has been one of the best players in the country all season, but no one outside the SEC has really been talking about him. This tournament is his chance to get on the tip of everyone's tongue and if he can pull off a similar performance Sunday against Texas Tech, the talk will just keep getting louder.