No Regrets for Aden Holloway, Labaron Philon After Choosing Alabama Basketball Over Auburn
The recruiting world in college basketball is often filled with surprises, twists, and dramatic storylines. It’s a world where recruits have to make tough decisions that can shape their futures both on and off the court. For two of the most sought-after recruits in the 2023 class—Aden Holloway and Labaron Philon—the decision to commit to Alabama basketball instead of Auburn was a pivotal one.
Despite the fierce rivalry between the two schools, these young men made their choices based on what they felt would be the best fit for their growth as players and people. In a world where choosing a program can be a career-defining decision, both Holloway and Philon have shown no signs of regret after choosing Alabama, even as they watch their former recruitment process unfold in the public eye.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the journey of Aden Holloway and Labaron Philon, exploring why they chose Alabama basketball over Auburn, the challenges they faced in making that decision, and how their time with the Crimson Tide has lived up to their expectations.
Aden Holloway’s Recruitment: A Competitive Battle
Aden Holloway, a point guard from North Carolina, has been one of the top recruits in the country for some time. Holloway’s recruitment was marked by high-level interest from some of the biggest programs in the country, but it ultimately came down to Alabama and Auburn—two schools with rich basketball histories and passionate fanbases.
Holloway’s decision to choose Alabama over Auburn was a closely watched one. Both schools offered a compelling case. Auburn, under head coach Bruce Pearl, had been a perennial contender in the SEC and had a strong track record of developing talented players. Alabama, meanwhile, had seen a resurgence under head coach Nate Oats, with the program’s up-tempo style and strong recruiting classes making it a contender in the SEC.
For Holloway, the decision ultimately boiled down to his belief that Alabama’s system was the best fit for his playing style. Holloway is a dynamic point guard with the ability to score, distribute, and lead a fast-paced offense. Alabama’s emphasis on up-tempo basketball and space for guards to operate in isolation made it an ideal destination for Holloway to showcase his talents.
In an interview after his commitment, Holloway reflected on his choice, saying, “Alabama’s system really fits my game. Coach Oats and his staff have a great vision for me as a point guard, and I felt like I could thrive there. It was a tough decision because Auburn is a great program with a lot of success, but in the end, Alabama just felt like the right place for me.”
Despite the rivalry between the two schools, Holloway made it clear that his decision was not about personal rivalry but rather about where he felt he could develop the most as a player. Holloway’s commitment to Alabama was a statement about his belief in the direction of the program and his desire to play at the highest level.
Labaron Philon’s Recruitment: A Shared Path with Holloway
Labaron Philon, a highly touted guard from the state of Alabama, was another major recruit in the 2023 class. Like Holloway, Philon had a number of schools vying for his commitment, but in the end, it came down to the same two programs—Alabama and Auburn.
Philon, a versatile guard who can score from all areas of the floor, was an exciting prospect who attracted attention from many top programs. Auburn had been recruiting him heavily, with Coach Bruce Pearl making it clear that he saw Philon as a potential game-changer for the Tigers. However, Alabama also made a strong push for Philon, with the Crimson Tide’s success and up-tempo style aligning well with Philon’s skill set.
Much like Holloway, Philon ultimately chose Alabama over Auburn. In his own words, Philon explained his decision by saying, “I felt like Alabama was the best fit for me. The coaching staff, the players, and the way they play the game just felt right. I want to be a part of something special, and Alabama is where I believe I can help make that happen.”
Philon’s decision to commit to Alabama was, in many ways, a reflection of the growing appeal of the Crimson Tide program. Alabama had become a force in college basketball under Nate Oats, and for a player like Philon, the opportunity to play in a system that valued pace, spacing, and perimeter shooting was too good to pass up.
Both Holloway and Philon were highly regarded players in their own right, and the fact that they both chose Alabama over Auburn demonstrated how far the Crimson Tide program had come in a short period of time. Their decisions not only spoke to their belief in their own potential but also to the direction in which they saw the Alabama basketball program heading.
The Rivalry: No Regrets Despite the Intensity
For Holloway and Philon, making the decision to play for Alabama wasn’t easy, especially given the fierce rivalry between Alabama and Auburn. These two schools have one of the most intense rivalries in college sports, and choosing one over the other often sparks passionate debates among fans. Both Holloway and Philon were aware of this, but they remained firm in their convictions.
“It was tough, for sure,” Holloway said. “I know how big the rivalry is between Auburn and Alabama, and I respect Auburn as a program. But for me, it was about where I could fit in best and where I could grow the most. Alabama felt like the right place for me to develop as a player.”
Philon echoed similar sentiments, stating, “There’s a lot of history between Alabama and Auburn, and I respect both programs. But I made the decision that I felt was best for my future. It wasn’t about the rivalry—it was about where I could be the best version of myself.”
Both players have remained resolute in their decision to choose Alabama, and they have expressed no regrets, despite the intense rivalry that surrounds their commitment. Their focus has always been on their growth as basketball players, and they are determined to make the most of their time with the Crimson Tide.
Alabama’s Rise Under Nate Oats: A Strong Appeal for Holloway and Philon
The decision to choose Alabama basketball over Auburn for both Holloway and Philon also reflects the growing strength of the Crimson Tide program under head coach Nate Oats. When Oats took over as head coach in 2019, Alabama basketball was in a rebuilding phase. However, in just a few short years, Oats has transformed the program into a legitimate contender in the SEC and on the national stage.
Oats’ style of play, which emphasizes fast-paced offense, three-point shooting, and defensive pressure, has been a perfect fit for today’s college basketball landscape. It has made Alabama one of the most exciting teams to watch, and players like Holloway and Philon have embraced the opportunity to play in this system.
Under Oats, Alabama has had success in recruiting top talent, and the program’s emphasis on player development has been a significant selling point for recruits. Holloway and Philon saw the potential for their own development in this system, and they wanted to be a part of what Oats was building in Tuscaloosa.
“There’s a lot of energy around this program,” Holloway said. “Coach Oats has created something special, and I want to be a part of it. I believe I can help take this program to even greater heights.”
Philon echoed that sentiment, saying, “I’ve seen what Alabama has done under Coach Oats, and I want to help take it even further. The program is headed in the right direction, and I want to be a part of that.”
Looking Ahead: The Future for Holloway and Philon at Alabama
As the 2023-2024 season progresses, both Holloway and Philon are eager to get started with their college careers at Alabama. They have already shown flashes of their potential during their time in high school and in the summer recruiting circuit, and now, they are ready to prove themselves on the college stage.
Holloway, as a point guard, will be crucial to Alabama’s up-tempo offense. His ability to control the pace of the game and distribute the ball will make him an integral part of the team. Philon, with his scoring ability and versatility, will be a key contributor on both ends of the floor, adding depth to Alabama’s already talented roster.
Both players are excited about the future of Alabama basketball and are determined to help the team compete for SEC titles and beyond. They are focused on their individual development and their roles in Alabama’s pursuit of greatness.