The college basketball landscape was already humming with anticipation as fans and analysts alike crafted their way-too-early Top 25 lists for the upcoming season. These projections, while speculative, often reflect real-time intel on roster movement, coaching changes, recruiting classes, and the return—or exit—of key players. One of the biggest curveballs to hit the offseason came when Labaron Philon, the electric Auburn Tigers guard and former 5-star recruit, announced his decision to return for another year on The Plains. And just like that, the ripple effects across college basketball’s way-too-early rankings were seismic.
Philon’s decision was not entirely expected. After a freshman campaign that showcased his dynamic shot creation, top-tier quickness, and clutch shot-making ability, many pegged him as a potential first-round pick should he declare for the NBA Draft. He had the numbers, the highlight reel plays, and the big-game performances. But amid the swirling draft buzz, Philon opted to run it back with Bruce Pearl, signaling unfinished business and immediate implications for Auburn and beyond.
Before his announcement, Auburn’s placement in most preseason rankings hovered somewhere between the late teens and the low 20s. That was due in part to an uncertain backcourt picture and the loss of veteran leadership with players like Johni Broome departing. With Philon’s return, however, the calculus changed overnight. Auburn vaulted into the Top 10 in some projections and the Top 12 in most others. It wasn’t just about his talent—it was about what he represented: stability, star power, and a game-changing presence who had already proven he could handle the brightest lights.
Philon averaged 15.6 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game as a freshman, but those raw stats barely scratch the surface of his influence. His ability to take over late-game situations gave Auburn a closer—something few teams possess. He thrived in SEC play, routinely carving up opposing defenses with an elite first step and deceptive handle. More importantly, his defensive tenacity and leadership presence grew as the season wore on, hinting that he was just scratching the surface of what he could become.
After his return was announced, ESPN quickly adjusted its way-too-early Top 25, bumping Auburn up six spots. The rationale was simple: with Philon back in the fold, Auburn had the type of alpha guard who could swing March games. ESPN’s experts noted that while the Tigers had an intriguing mix of veteran role players and young talent, it was Philon’s return that gave the team a legitimate shot at contending for the SEC crown and beyond. His decision also created a domino effect in how they projected other SEC powers. Teams like Alabama and Kentucky remained high, but now there was another contender in their weight class—and the balance of power in the league became more uncertain.
CBS Sports followed suit, placing Auburn at No. 11, up from No. 20 prior to Philon’s announcement. Their analysis echoed a similar sentiment: Philon’s return makes Auburn a backcourt-driven threat with All-American upside. CBS also highlighted how Philon’s presence would help ease the transition for incoming freshmen and transfers, offering a steady hand to lead the offense. In an era where most elite guards leave for the NBA after one year, Auburn retaining its star point guard made them a unique outlier and gave them rare continuity.
The Athletic was even more bullish. They slotted Auburn at No. 9, calling Philon’s return “one of the top three offseason wins in college basketball.” Their argument went beyond just Philon’s individual impact—they saw him as a galvanizing force capable of elevating everyone around him. With his elite playmaking, Auburn’s shooters could expect cleaner looks. With his defensive versatility, Pearl could employ more aggressive schemes. And with his leadership, the locker room had a clear voice. The Athletic even posited that if Philon makes the anticipated sophomore leap, he could enter the National Player of the Year conversation by midseason.
Philon’s return also had an indirect impact on teams around Auburn in the rankings. Take Arkansas, for example. Initially projected as a top-15 team due to their loaded transfer class and strong freshman core, they dropped a couple of spots in several lists because Auburn’s ceiling was now clearly higher. The same went for Tennessee, which was adjusting to life without Dalton Knecht. While the Vols remained in the top tier of SEC contenders, there was a growing consensus that Auburn had become the most dangerous team in the conference, thanks to Philon.
One of the more fascinating developments came from bracketology projections. Joe Lunardi, ESPN’s bracket expert, bumped Auburn from a projected 5-seed to a 3-seed in his updated mock bracket following Philon’s announcement. That two-seed jump might seem modest, but in NCAA Tournament terms, it’s enormous. A 3-seed avoids a potential meeting with a 1-seed until the Elite Eight and typically draws a more favorable path in the early rounds. The message was clear: Philon’s presence elevated Auburn from “dangerous team” to “serious threat.”
The impact didn’t stop with analysts. Philon’s return quickly changed the perception among recruits and transfers still considering their options. Auburn saw increased buzz in recruiting circles, with several top-50 players scheduling visits shortly after the news broke. For transfers, it became a more appealing destination—not just because of Philon’s on-court brilliance, but because players want to compete with others who can help them win.
Meanwhile, within Auburn’s program, the news energized fans and set the tone for the offseason. Social media lit up with highlights from Philon’s freshman year, and ticket sales reportedly saw a notable uptick in the days following his return announcement. There was a sense of unfinished business. Auburn fans, who saw their team bow out earlier than expected in the NCAA Tournament, now had a legitimate reason to dream bigger.
Philon’s return also set the stage for potential awards and accolades. He’ll enter the season as a preseason All-SEC First Team lock and a strong candidate for the Wooden Award watch list. More than that, he’s likely to be one of the faces of college basketball. In a sport that often sees its biggest names leave too soon, Philon’s decision to stay adds familiarity and continuity—two elements that help drive viewership and fan engagement.
On the hardwood, his impact will be felt most in late-game situations. Auburn struggled in clutch moments during stretches of last season, but with Philon leading the charge, those issues should be mitigated. He has the rare blend of composure, skill, and confidence needed to control tempo and close out games. Moreover, his presence will make it easier for Bruce Pearl to experiment with lineups, knowing he has a floor general who can stabilize chaotic stretches.
There’s also an intangible component to all of this. Philon’s return wasn’t just about basketball—it was about loyalty, culture, and belief. In an era dominated by quick exits, NIL negotiations, and roster churn, Philon’s choice sent a powerful message about Auburn’s program. It showed that players could develop, compete at the highest level, and still feel compelled to stay and chase legacy. That matters—not just to Auburn, but to college basketball as a whole.
