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Alabama Star Set to Return for Sophomore Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Samuel Kingery | Last updated May 29, 2025 9:50 PM ET

Alabama's basketball program has produced some of the best teams in the country for the last couple of seasons, making an Elite Eight and a Final Four appearance.

The Crimson Tide is looking to continue its strong showing under the direction of Head Coach Nate Oats. This will take some rebuilding, as the team will have to move on without several key contributors

Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, Clifford Omoruyi, and Chris Youngblood all have left the program, running out of eligibility. Mouhamad Dioubate, Derrion Reid, and Jarin Stevenson have all left as well, entering the transfer portal.

Oats and his staff won't have to replace all of the production from last year's Elite Eight squad. Six foot four 177 pound guard Labaron Philon has withdrawn from the NBA draft and will return to Tuscaloosa for his sophomore season.

Philon had a great freshman season, averaging 10.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals playing 24.7 minutes a game in a roster full of talented guards.

There will be more time on the floor for SEC All-Freshman Honoree this upcoming season, allowing him to take the reigns and make an even bigger impact than last season.

BREAKING: Alabama’s Labaron Philon is withdrawing from the NBA Draft and will return to Alabama for his sophomore season, @yea_ala reports. pic.twitter.com/KEFrkwZSqM
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) May 29, 2025

Philon will look to lead a team with a younger look as well. Three four star forwards have verbally committed to Nate Oats' program, including Davion Hannah, London Jemison, and Amari Allen.

Aden Holloway will also return to play point guard. With these two experienced players on the floor Alabama will look to continue their success in the 2025-2026 season.

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

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