Alabama star freshman guard Labaron Philon declared for the 2025 NBA Draft two weeks ago. It was initially reported that Philon was not leaving the door open on a return to Alabama, though recent reports have indicated otherwise. Philon himself addressed the situation on Monday during an appearance on The SchuZ Show.
When asked if there was a chance of him returning to Alabama for his sophomore season, Philon said:
“I would say 100% draft, but you know, things can change.
“You never know. But I would say I love ‘Bama. The whole program, the school, the state. It was all love when I was playing there. I never received any hatred or nothing like that. Walking around school and just being a regular kid again was mostly the most fun part for me. I’ll never take that for granted. But I’m all in on the draft right now because I feel like I want to be a pro. You never know what can happen. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
Philon's statement on Monday mirrored what he said on Instagram when he made the announcement of entering the NBA Draft.
While Philon's comments aren't as definitive on a potential return as Alabama fans would hope for, it's nice to hear that he hasn't closed the door on returning to Tuscaloosa next season, especially after initial reports indicated otherwise.
Philon should be 100% focused on the NBA Draft right now. If he wasn't, then there was no need to declare. He's going to be competing against guys who are 100% draft-focused. He can't afford to be any less.
In his updated big board last week (subscription required), ESPN draft guru Jonathan Givony ranked Philon as his No. 47 overall prospect. That would put Philon in the 2nd Round, and would mean no guaranteed contract. If Philon can work his way into the 1st Round, he should stay in. If he stays as a projected 2nd Round pick, he would be wise to return to school.
Alabama would be Labaron Philon's team if he returned in 2025-26
With Mark Sears gone, the keys to Nate Oats' system would be handed to Philon if he returned to Alabama for his sophomore season.
Philon started 29 of Alabama's 37 games and flourished in an on-ball role. He averaged 10.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game on an average of just under 25 minutes. His role would increase exponentially next season in year two at Alabama.
As things stand, Alabama has a big void at lead guard. The only traditional point guard on the roster is Aden Holloway, who thrived in an off-ball role with the Crimson Tide last season. Alabama also has combo guards in Jalil Bethea and Latrell Wrightsell to go along with an incoming freshman in Davion Hannah.
Philon's return would make Alabama a preseason SEC contender. If he elects to stay in the draft, then the Crimson Tide would have a lot more questions than answers, at least for now. Oats and Preston Murphy are still working to fill the remaining three roster spots while likely keeping a spot open for Philon to return if he chooses to do so.
Keeping that spot open is risky. But Philon is the level of player you take the risk on.