Labaron Philon's All-American nod another feather in the cap for Nate Oats at Alabama

Regardless of your feelings about this Alabama basketball season, it's undeniable that we are currently living in the golden age of Tide hoops.

Nate Oats continues to accomplish things never done before in Tuscaloosa. He led Alabama to its first Final Four two years ago and is responsible for 66.7% of the program's Elite Eight appearances.

Alabama earned a 4-seed in this year's NCAA Tournament. Before Oats became the head coach, the Crimson Tide had earned a 4-seed or better just four times in program history. This is the fifth time - and fourth consecutive season - Alabama has accomplished that feat.

And now, after Labaron Philon was named to the AP All-American third-team on Tuesday, Oats can add another feather to his cap of individual accolades accomplished under his guidance.

Labaron Philon is Alabama's 5th AP All-American under Nate Oats

Prior to Oats's arrival in Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide had just seven AP All-Americans in program history.

(List via Hunter De Siver)

1974-75: Leon Douglas (2nd Team)
1975-76: Leon Douglas (3rd Team)
1977-78: Reggie King (2nd Team)
1978-79: Reggie King (2nd Team)
1982-83: Ennis Whatley (3rd Team)
1986-87: Derrick McKey (3rd Team)
2001-02: Erwin Dudley (3rd Team)

Since Oats took over, Alabama has added Herb Jones (3rd Team), Brandon Miller (1st Team), Mark Sears x2 (1st and 2nd Teams), and now Philon.

Five of the 12 AP All-Americans in Alabama basketball history have come during Oats's tenure, including both of the first-teamers with Sears last season and Miller three years ago. With Philon's nod, Alabama has had an All-American now for four consecutive seasons.

Oats has led Alabama to unprecedented team - and player - success.

Philon's All-American season came after a successful freshman campaign that led to him declaring for the NBA Draft. A last-second decision to return for his sophomore season paid major dividends with Philon doubling his scoring average and leading the Crimson Tide back to the NCAA Tournament while gathering All-SEC and All-American honors. A projected late first or early second round pick a year ago, Philon is projected near the lottery for the 2026 draft.

Regardless of what happens this week in Tampa - or perhaps next week in Chicago - Oats continues to prove he's the best coach in Alabama basketball history.