Against pesky Ivy League favorite Yale, Nate Oats and Alabama basketball will have to pass its final non-conference test of the regular season without star point guard Labaron Philon.
According to the Field of 68's Jeff Goodman, Philon has a minor thigh/groin injury and will miss tonight's matchup with Yale. Goodman reports that Oats is optimistic that Philon will be ready to play on Saturday for Alabama's SEC opener against Kentucky.
Alabama star guard Lebaron Philon is out tonight against Yale with a minor thigh/groin injury, Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats told @thefieldof68.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) December 29, 2025
Philon is averaging 21.9 points per game.
Oats is hopeful that Philon will be available when Alabama hosts Kentucky on Saturday.
Philon has been Alabama's best player this season. The sophomore is averaging 21.9 points and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 55% from the field and 42% from three. After originally declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, Philon had a last-minute change of heart, and his return has proven to be massive for the Crimson Tide.
Philon's injury is the latest in a long line of them for Alabama this season. With the star sophomore guard missing tonight's matchup against Yale, only Aiden Sherrell, Houston Mallette, and Noah Williamson have been healthy and able to play in all of the Tide's games so far this season. Everyone else has missed at least one, if not multiple, games.
Aden Holloway will have a lot on his plate with Labaron Philon out
Junior guard Aden Holloway will have to take on a starring role as both a scorer and playmaker against Yale with Philon sidelined.
Holloway has gotten off to a strong start to his third season of college basketball and has been Alabama's second-leading scorer this season behind Philon, averaging 16.7 points per game while shooting 47% from the field and 43% from three. Holloway is also second on the team in assists per game at 3.7, also behind Philon.
Philon's absence probably opens up more of a role for Miami (FL) transfer Jalil Bethea, who has seen inconsistent minutes since returning from his preseason injury.
Senior Latrell Wrightsell and true freshman Amari Allen will likely see time on the ball to initiate the Crimson Tide's offense as well.
Alabama should have enough firepower to beat Yale without Philon, but there's no doubt that Oats needs to get him back and healthy ASAP with SEC play on the horizon.
The good news is, according to Goodman, the injury is minor in nature. Philon's absence tonight is likely more precautionary than anything, so Oats can ensure his star guard is ready to play on Saturday at home against Kentucky.