It had to end some time... While there was some belief that the Alabama Crimson Tide could have kept on dancing, the Michigan Wolverines felt inevitable. For a good chunk of the game, Alabama was able to play with great pace to keep the loaded Michigan front court out of sorts. Unfortunately, an onslaught in the second half by the Wolverines ended Alabama's season during the Sweet 16, 90-77.
Although it did get ugly in the second half, Alabama's offensive output was largely buoyed by one man. If this is indeed Labaron Philon Jr.'s final game for the Crimson Tide, then he left it all on the floor. Philon held nothing back with 35 points on 10-of-21 shooting, with seven rebounds, four assists, and a steal. He played a game-high 39 minutes. He just did not get enough support here...
While Alabama's decision to go big in the NCAA Tournament with London Jemison inserted into the starting lineup over a troubled Aden Holloway worked out for a while, it was only a matter of time before Dusty May and his Michigan team could solve Nate Oats' puzzle. While this configuration did limit Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara to 24 and 27 minutes respectively, Yaxel Lendeborg got his.
With Philon expected to be a lottery pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, this may be it for him here.
Labaron Philon Jr. likely ends Alabama run with bittersweet performance
Look. For as much as the Mobile native may want to play for his home state's flagship university's team again, the NBA is calling out his name. With him seemingly able to get a bucket whenever he wants against one of the best defenses in the nation, the sophomore sensation is going places. Given the circumstances, his field-goal percentage was strong. He hit everything at the charity stripe, too.
So when it comes to what is next for Philon, we all know the answer to that... Not to say he would be wasting his time starring in the SEC again, but he is more than ready to be a part of an NBA team's roster in 2026-27. Had the Crimson Tide been able to somehow get past the Wolverines on Friday night, that may have vaulted Philon's draft stock even higher. Even in defeat, his stock is rising up!
Right now, Philon has to find the right combination of playing within the construct of a team-first NBA offense, as well as keeping his hero-ball tendencies on the backburner in case he needs them. A guy who can get a bucket whenever the game requires it in the backcourt is nothing to sneeze at. The question now is not if Philon will return to Tuscaloosa, but if he will be going to a winning organization.
At this time, Alabama fans should be so proud of what Philon has been able to accomplish for them.