Labaron Philon of Alabama basketball discusses whether to remain with the Tide or enter the NBA Draft.

Labaron Philon, a rising star in college basketball, faces one of the biggest decisions of his career: should he stay at Alabama for another season or declare for the 2025 NBA Draft? The choice is complex, influenced by his performance, draft stock, personal development, and long-term career goals.

Philon’s Journey to Alabama

Philon, a Mobile, Alabama native, has long been regarded as one of the best basketball prospects in the state. Playing at Baker High School, he earned the prestigious Alabama Mr. Basketball award in 2023, showcasing his elite skills and leadership. His ability to control the tempo of the game, create his own shot, and distribute the ball efficiently made him a sought-after recruit. Choosing Alabama over other offers, he saw an opportunity to develop under Coach Nate Oats’ high-paced offensive system.

Impactful Freshman Season

Philon’s transition to college basketball was seamless. He quickly became a key player for the Crimson Tide, demonstrating poise beyond his years. His stats reflect his immediate impact:

• Points per game: 14.8
• Assists per game: 5.2
• Rebounds per game: 3.9
• Field goal percentage: 47.3%
• Three-point percentage: 34.2%
• Free throw percentage: 78.5%

His performance helped Alabama achieve a 28-8 record, securing a strong position in the NCAA tournament. He consistently delivered in high-pressure situations, further bolstering his NBA Draft stock.

Strengths That Appeal to NBA Scouts

Philon’s game possesses several attributes that make him an intriguing NBA prospect:

1. Three-Level Scoring Ability
   • Philon has proven himself capable of scoring at all levels—driving to the rim, pulling up from mid-range, and hitting three-pointers.
2. Court Vision and Playmaking
   • His ability to see the floor and create opportunities for teammates is a key factor in his success. He plays with a high basketball IQ and makes the right reads under pressure.
3. Defensive Tenacity
   • Despite being slightly undersized for a combo guard (6’3”, 180 lbs), Philon has shown a relentless defensive motor, often guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter player.
4. Maturity and Leadership
   • His maturity is beyond his years, and he has stepped into a leadership role even as a freshman, setting an example for teammates with his work ethic.

Areas for Improvement Before Entering the NBA

While Philon’s skill set is impressive, scouts and analysts have highlighted aspects of his game that need refinement before he transitions to the NBA:

1. Three-Point Shooting Consistency
   • At 34.2%, Philon is a decent three-point shooter but could elevate his game by improving his consistency from beyond the arc. NBA guards often need to shoot above 38% to be effective floor-spacers.
2. Strength and Physicality
   • The NBA is a more physical league, and Philon will need to add muscle to his frame to compete against stronger guards.
3. Decision-Making Under Pressure
   • While an elite playmaker, Philon can sometimes be prone to over-dribbling and forcing passes. Sharpening his decision-making skills will make him more valuable at the next level.

Evaluating the NBA Draft Decision

Why He Should Declare for the 2025 NBA Draft

1. Projected First-Round Pick
   • Many draft boards have Philon in the mid-to-late first round, which would guarantee him a lucrative rookie contract and immediate NBA exposure.
2. Elite Development Opportunities
   • Entering the NBA would allow Philon to develop with world-class trainers, nutritionists, and strength coaches. Gaining experience against the best players in the world would accelerate his growth.
3. Financial Security
   • A first-round pick earns a guaranteed contract worth millions. This financial security could be life-changing for Philon and his family.
4. Mitigating Injury Risk
   • Staying another year in college carries the risk of injury, which could negatively impact his draft stock and future earnings.

Why He Should Stay at Alabama

1. Further Skill Development
   • Another year at Alabama could help Philon refine his game, particularly his three-point shooting, physical strength, and decision-making.
2. Becoming a Lottery Pick
   • With an extra year of college experience, Philon could develop into a top-10 pick in the 2026 draft, which would result in a significantly larger contract.
3. Building His Legacy
   • If he stays, Philon could lead Alabama to a national championship, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in program history.

Team and Coaching Influence

Coach Nate Oats and the Alabama program have been instrumental in Philon’s development. The coaching staff provides in-depth analysis and guidance to players considering the draft. Additionally, Alabama has a history of developing NBA talent, including players like Collin Sexton and Josh Primo.

Oats has remained supportive of Philon’s potential decision, emphasizing that whatever choice he makes should align with his long-term career aspirations. The coaching staff has also connected Philon with NBA evaluators to provide an accurate assessment of his draft stock.

What Former Players Say

Many former Alabama players have faced similar decisions. JD Davison, who entered the 2022 NBA Draft after his freshman season, has spoken about the transition, highlighting the differences in physicality and the speed of the NBA game. While Davison was a second-round pick, Philon’s situation appears more promising given his first-round projections.

The Role of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) Deals

One significant factor that may influence Philon’s decision is the growing impact of NIL deals. If he stays at Alabama, he could continue to earn substantial money through sponsorships, endorsements, and partnerships. Given that some top college players are making over seven figures through NIL agreements, the financial gap between staying in college and going pro has narrowed slightly.

Philon’s decision will likely depend on his draft evaluations following the NCAA tournament. If he receives assurances from NBA teams that he will be a first-round pick, the likelihood of him declaring increases significantly. However, if there are concerns about his readiness, another year at Alabama could be beneficial.

Given his current trajectory and the opportunities available, Philon may lean toward declaring for the NBA Draft. However, a deep NCAA tournament run and further evaluation could shift his perspective. Whether he stays or goes, Philon’s future in basketball is bright, and his dedication to the game suggests he will succeed at the next level.

Regardless of his decision, Alabama fans will undoubtedly support him and celebrate his contributions to the program.