In the ever-turbulent world of college basketball, where coaching changes, NIL deals, and transfer portal swings are now common headlines, one storyline has captured the attention of fans across the Southeast: Is Labaron Philon open to returning to Alabama? The four-star guard, who once committed to the Crimson Tide, is now at the center of speculation surrounding a potential return to the program he originally intended to lead. And according to sources close to the situation, the door is far from closed.
The Backstory: From Mobile to Multiple Commitments
Labaron Philon, a 6-foot-4 combo guard out of Mobile, Alabama, first burst onto the scene during his high school years at Baker High and later Link Academy. Widely regarded as one of the most electric guards in the 2024 class, Philon showcased a unique blend of scoring ability, court vision, and defensive tenacity. His rise up the national rankings was steady, and he eventually earned a spot among ESPN’s Top 40 recruits in the country.
Initially, Philon committed to Auburn, where head coach Bruce Pearl saw him as a centerpiece of his backcourt for the future. But that relationship soured as time went on. Philon decommitted in early 2023, citing a need to reevaluate his future and find the right fit both athletically and personally.
In the months that followed, Philon gave a verbal commitment to Alabama, where head coach Nate Oats had been targeting him since his freshman year. It was a match made in basketball heaven. Oats’ fast-paced offensive system fit Philon’s explosive transition game, and the opportunity to play in-state again had fans dreaming of a new era of dominance in Tuscaloosa.
However, Philon quietly decommitted in the fall of 2023 amid growing concerns about playing time, the influx of other guard commitments, and a desire to explore his options on the national stage.
He eventually signed with Kansas, a blue-blood program led by Hall of Fame coach Bill Self. Yet the stability he sought never quite materialized. After just one semester, Philon entered the transfer portal in March 2025 — and now, just weeks later, rumors are swirling that a return to Alabama is firmly in play.
Sources Say “Yes” – But With Conditions
Multiple sources with direct knowledge of Philon’s situation have confirmed that he has spoken with members of Alabama’s coaching staff this spring. While no formal visit has been scheduled, there have been preliminary conversations about fit, role, and NIL opportunities.
One source close to the Alabama program said:
“Labaron has unfinished business in Alabama. There’s mutual interest, but it has to make sense for both sides. Oats still believes in his talent — the question is whether the timing is right.”
Timing, indeed, could be the make-or-break factor. Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class is already shaping up to be one of the strongest in recent memory. With four-star point guard Derek Dixon signed and junior Mark Sears possibly returning for a final year of eligibility, the backcourt is crowded.
Still, Philon’s skillset is unique. He brings a level of craftiness, athleticism, and shot-making that Alabama didn’t consistently get last season, particularly in late-game situations. Oats is known for favoring dynamic guards who can break down defenses and shoot from deep — all strengths of Philon’s game.
What Philon Brings to the Table
At his best, Labaron Philon is a game-changer. He averaged 21.4 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game during his senior season at Link Academy. What separates him from many guards in the portal is his feel for the game — an innate ability to read defenses and manipulate defenders using pace, angles, and footwork.
He’s not the fastest or most physically imposing guard in the country, but he plays under control and has NBA range on his jumper. His frame has also filled out considerably over the last year, and at 6’4” with a wingspan of nearly 6’7”, he has the tools to defend both guard spots at the collegiate level.
If Alabama does bring Philon back, he’d likely slot in as either a high-usage sixth man or a starting combo guard depending on roster movement. His presence would add depth, leadership, and a scoring punch to a program eyeing another deep NCAA Tournament run.
How Would Alabama Make Room?
The Crimson Tide recently saw Rylan Griffen enter the NBA Draft process, and while he could return, the expectation around the program is that at least one scholarship spot will open up. Additionally, the ever-present churn of the transfer portal has left coaches keeping spots flexible well into the offseason.
Mark Sears remains the biggest domino. If he opts to go pro, there would be a clear pathway for Philon to return and start from Day 1. Even if Sears stays, Alabama’s backcourt rotation could use a dependable third option — something they lacked in critical games down the stretch last season.
Moreover, Alabama’s staff believes Philon’s year away from the program may have matured him. Said one assistant coach anonymously:
“Sometimes a guy needs to leave to understand what he had. Labaron’s a competitor. If he wants to be here, we’ll find a way to make it work.”
Recruiting Landscape and NIL Factor
In today’s college basketball landscape, any major decision must take into account the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) ecosystem — and Alabama has proven to be a significant player in that space. With The Advantage Center, Alabama’s NIL collective, continuing to attract major contributors, the Tide have built a sustainable model that appeals to both high school recruits and transfers alike.
Philon is known to be interested in long-term brand development, particularly in the Southeast, where his name still carries considerable weight. A return to Alabama could offer the visibility and support system that Kansas could not fully provide in his brief tenure.
But he won’t be without suitors. Sources indicate that schools like Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, and even Florida State have expressed interest. The possibility of an SEC homecoming is very real — and the arms race for his services is heating up.
Fanbase Reaction and Legacy Implications
While some fans questioned Philon’s original decommitment, there is little doubt that his return would be widely celebrated. Alabama has proven that it can win with elite guard play, and the Crimson Tide faithful still view Philon as a homegrown star who strayed, but could still deliver on his promise.
His return would represent more than just another transfer portal coup — it would symbolize a redemptive arc for both player and program. The idea of Philon leading Alabama deep into March Madness, especially after an early exit in 2025, is a narrative too tempting to ignore.
Some fans online have even taken to social media, launching campaigns under the hashtag #BringBackPhilon to show their support. Whether this grassroots buzz will influence the final decision remains to be seen, but the excitement is palpable.
What’s Next?
With the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline looming and rosters solidifying for summer workouts, Philon is expected to make his decision by mid-May. A campus visit to Alabama has not been confirmed, but several insiders believe a meeting could happen in the first week of May.
If that visit takes place, expect the momentum to swing heavily in Alabama’s favor. Nate Oats has never been shy about closing on top-tier targets, and his personal relationship with Philon could prove decisive.
One source close to the situation put it bluntly:
“It’s Alabama’s race to lose — if they want him, they can get him. Now it’s just a matter of how badly they want him back.”
Final Word
Labaron Philon’s winding recruitment journey may have taken him across state lines and into the halls of college basketball royalty, but the story might end where it all began — in Tuscaloosa. In an age where second chances are rare and narratives evolve by the hour, Philon’s possible return to Alabama is more than just a headline.
It’s the kind of move that could change the fortunes of a program still chasing its first Final Four, and offer redemption for a young star whose story is far from finished.