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Alabama Dealt Unfortunate News After NCAA Tournament

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 4:21 PM ET

Alabama may now be considered a basketball school under the leadership of head coach Nate Oats.

The Crimson Tide have made deep runs in the NCAA Tournament over the past few seasons, being eliminated in the Elite Eight just a few weeks ago.

Alabama suffered a loss to Duke in the Elite Eight after defeating BYU, Saint Mary's and Robert Morris.

Following the season, a couple of Alabama's biggest stars had decisions to make. While Mark Sears and Grant Nelson exhausted their NCAA eligibility, many were waiting on the decision from Labaron Philon.

On Monday, Jonathan Givony at NBA Draft Express revealed that Philon will enter the 2025 NBA draft after one season at Alabama.

NEWS: Alabama's Labaron Philon will enter the NBA Draft, he told ESPN. Philon, an SEC All-Freshman team member, says he's "all in on starting my pro career."

Philon brings strong two-way versatility and winning qualities NBA teams covet at the point guard position. pic.twitter.com/phyS65X47s
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 14, 2025

During his first season with the Crimson Tide, Philon averaged 10.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. According to ESPN, Philon served as starter for Alabama for 29 of 37 games.

He originally committed to the program as a four-star prospect, ranked as the No. 2 point guard and No. 24 overall player in the nation, per 247Sports.

Oats will now look to fill the void of Philon, along with starters such as Sears and Nelson. Alabama will also have to search for replacements for Derrion Reid and Jarin Stevenson.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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