For two months, the story of the 2026 Alabama Basketball team has been one of roster uncertainty, specifically whether star freshman PG Labaron Philon would be joining the NBA; if not, whether he would return to Alabama; and what the Tide’s options were if he became a pro or ‘Bama got outbid.
Nate hosted many point guards, was connected to several others, and did do a bit of roster shopping at combo guard during the Portal period. By all indications, Coach Oats was willing to run with the guys on hand.
Well, friends, put that uncertainty aside. After a busy two weeks that saw about half of the nation’s elite underclass backcourt guys pull out of the Draft, only Philon remained committed to the NBA.
Until today. This very hour.
And we are tickled witless to report that he has withdrawn from the selection process, announced his return to college — and, most importantly, his return to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Alabama’s NIL collective publication, Yea Alabama, broke the news.
“I am thankful for all the support from my family, friends and Alabama throughout this process,” Philon said. “I learned a lot throughout the NBA Draft process and received a lot of great feedback. After careful consideration, I am happy to announce that I will be returning to Alabama for my sophomore season! Roll Tide!”
The Mobile product played in all 37 games his freshman season as he quickly became one of the top freshman in the SEC. He averaged 10.6 points per game, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and led the team with 50 steals.
To say this is huge news is an understatement. The Crimson Tide were expected to firmly be in that tier of “very good, but not elite”-teams next season, specifically because of the lack of a veteran point guard — or, really, any true PG.
Philon solves so many problems for ‘Bama in the backcourt. Size has been a problem the last few years, but this now gives Alabama three guards that hit 6’3”-plus. Philon is also the best returning defender. His 3:1 ASST:TO ratio is exemplary. He can get to the basket, put the ball on the floor, run the break, and create his own shot.
But perhaps best of all, it means Alabama does not have to go to war with an undersized PG (again), or play another combo player out of position (again).
A wealth of possibilities just opened up for 2026 Tide, and I’m certain preseason prospectus are being scrapped as we speak. And, with some respect to AJ Dybantsa, I firmly believe that this is the single biggest pickup for any team this off-season, and alongside Boogie Fland’s move to Florida, will be one of the handful of transfers and retentions that shapes the entire league.
Hell yeah!
Roll Tide
Poll
Your wildly optimistic expectations for 2025-2026 are now…
0%
Very high. It’s a Top 10 team now, for sure.
(0 votes)
0%
Still just a Top 20 team until I see some defensive improvement.
(0 votes)
0%
CUT ‘EM DOWN! WOOOOO!!!! #BOG
(0 votes)
0 votes total