Tag: Labaron Philon

What Nate Oats had to say after Alabama basketball toppled Kentucky

Nate Oats singled out two Alabama players for getting back into the gym and putting in extra work after the Crimson Tide’s loss to Ole Miss.

The No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide went on the road and defeated the No. 8 Kentucky Wildcats, 102-97, Saturday at Rupp Arena.

The Crimson Tide’s performance was a lot better than it was during their 74-64 loss to Ole Miss on Tuesday — a loss that drew a stern lecture from coach Nate Oats to Alabama players.

Oats had reason to be more upbeat after Saturday’s win in Lexington, which saw Grant Nelson score 25 points and Mark Sears finish with 24. Alabama’s free-throw shooting, something Oats bemoaned after the Ole Miss loss, was much better against the Wildcats; Alabama made 29 of its 34 foul shots (85 percent) vs. Kentucky.

RELATED: Best photos of Alabama’s huge road win over Kentucky basketball

“I told our guys after the loss Tuesday that we didn’t deserve to win with our preparation going into the game and with our effort in the game,” Oats said following Alabama’s over Kentucky. “We need to deserve to win from now on, and it better start with guys putting so much time and effort in that they’re just not going to surrender.”

Oats said that two Alabama players in particular spent more time in the gym following the loss to Ole Miss.

“Grant Nelson came out ready to go and had 10 of our first 20 at the beginning of the game,” Oats said. “He goes 3-of-7 at the free-throw line Tuesday night and then he got in the gym and worked. We were able to make small corrections to his shot, get him some confidence by putting some work in.

“I think the past two days, he finished his individual workouts going 90 of 100 (on Thursday) and then 91 of 100 (Friday). Got some confidence, steps up, and goes 9 of 10. He was shooting 90 percent in his practices and goes 90 percent in the game when we need him.”

Freshman Labaron Philon was also big for Alabama, adding 15 points on 4-of-10 shots from the field. Philon was 3-of-5 from behind the arc and sank all four of his foul shots, including two with less than a minute to play to push the Crimson Tide’s lead over Kentucky to eight.

“Labaron spent a lot of time in the gym, and he goes 3-of-5,” Oats said. “It’s not rocket science. You spend time in the gym and you make shots. You spend time in the gym and you make your free throws.

Nate Oats shouts out Nick Saban after big win at Kentucky

Oats referenced the Alabama football legend and said that he hopes the Crimson Tide’s loss to Ole Miss can be a teaching moment.

“I’ve tried to study Coach Saban in football,” Oats said. “You go look at most of his championship teams and they took a loss early. (Saban) got them focused and locked in. I think that loss to Ole Miss got us refocused. This was a completely different team than the one that played Ole Miss.

“If we learn the lessons we needed to in that loss Tuesday and we don’t forget them for the remainder of the year, it may have been the best thing to happen to us. We’ve just got to make sure this was not a one-game deal. We’ve got to continue to do the things we’ve done since Tuesday night.”

Here’s everything else Oats said in his postgame press conference after Alabama’s big win over Kentucky.

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USA TODAY Sports 2025 NBA mock draft projects two Alabama players as first-round picks

Here’s who USA TODAY sees going in the first round of this year’s NBA Draft.

Under Nate Oats, Alabama basketball has seen four players drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft since 2020.

Kira Lewis became the first player of the Oats era to go in the first round when the New Orleans Pelicans drafted him 13th overall in 2020. A year later, Josh Primo went to the San Antonio Spurs at No. 12 overall.

More recently, the Charlotte Hornets took franchise player Brandon Miller with the second overall pick in 2023 (behind France’s Victor Wembanyama), and the Brooklyn Nets added Noah Clowney with the 23rd pick. That’s not counting second-round picks J.D. Davison (Boston Celtics, 2022) and Herb Jones (Pelicans, 2021).

Oats figures to have more future NBA players on his current and future rosters, including two freshmen this season. According to USA TODAY Sports’ latest NBA mock draft from experts Jeff Zillgitt, Lorenzo Reyes and James H. Williams, Labaron Philon and Derrion Reid are two players that will go in the first round this summer.

The trio have Philon going No. 20 overall with Reid No. 27. Duke Blue Devils freshman sensation Cooper Flagg was projected as the No. 1 overall pick.

USA TODAY Sports said of the two:

“Philon excels in transition with his speed and ability to finish at the rim; is capable on catch-and-shoot 3s but needs work on that part of his game. He’s a heady defender who disrupts opponents with his ability to get steals.”

“(Reid is) a versatile forward who plays aggressively to get to his spots when looking to score. He can be a premier player in the class if he improves his skills as a wing player.”

RELATED: Mark Sears named SEC Co-Player of the Week

Philon is averaging 12 points per game in 24.5 minutes for the Crimson Tide. He scored a season-high 21 points in Alabama’s 105-82 nonconference win over South Dakota State back on Dec. 29 and followed it up with 16 against Oklahoma in the SEC opener on Jan. 4.

Alabama takes on Ole Miss in Coleman Coliseum at 6 p.m. CT Tuesday. The game will be televised on ESPNU.

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Alabama guard named SEC Freshman of the Week in back-to-back weeks

The freshman continues to impress.

The season accolades continued to roll in for Alabama Crimson Tide guard Labaron Philon on Monday afternoon, as he was named the SEC Freshman of the Week for what was the second consecutive week.

Yes, even despite the Crimson Tide playing only one game this past week, Philon takes home the honor once again after a strong performance against the Oklahoma Sooners on Jan. 4.

Against the Sooners this past Saturday night, Philon posted a stat line of 16 points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals, while also shooting 5-of-10 from the field, 2-of-5 from three-point range, and 4-of-6 at the free throw line.

Across 14 games so far this season, 12 of which he has started, Philon is currently averaging a combined 12.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4 APG, and 1.4 SPG during his freshman campaign. Philon is also shooting 53.5% from the field, 28.3% from three-point range, and 70.3% at the free throw line.

The Crimson Tide will return to action Wednesday night on the road at South Carolina in SEC play.

SEC recognizes Alabama guard Labaron Philon as Freshman of the Week

Alabama’s Labaron Philon named SEC Freshman of the Week.

It was a pretty calm week in the world of SEC basketball as teams enjoyed a four-day holiday break before the start of conference play. The Alabama Crimson Tide wrapped up their non-conference schedule with a dominant 105-82 victory over South Dakota State on Sunday evening in their lone game of the week.

The Tide’s win over the Jackrabbits was an impressive one with three players scoring over 20 points, including 26 from Auburn transfer Aden Holloway. However, it was freshman Labaron Philon who paved the way for Nate Oats’ squad with 21 points, five rebounds, and six assists. The 19-year-old is averaging just shy of 26 minutes a game and was recognized by the SEC as the Freshman of the Week for his outstanding performance against South Dakota State.

Alabama will open up conference play this Saturday as they host the undefeated and No. 12-ranked Oklahoma Sooners.

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Complete Recap: Alabama reaches 100 points, sinks South Dakota State in nonconference finale

Alabama fires on all cylinders in a 105-82 win. Here’s how it happened.

The Alabama Crimson Tide sure looked ready for SEC play Sunday afternoon at Coleman Coliseum.

In the fifth-ranked Crimson Tide’s final tuneup in nonconference play, Alabama used a 30-9 first-half run for a big halftime lead en route to a 105-82 victory over the South Dakota State Jackrabbits.

Alabama (11-2 overall) reached the 100-point margin for the third time this season and held a 57-33 lead at halftime. The Crimson Tide got their first points on a 3-pointer from Grant Nelson just over a minute into the game. Nelson converted his first two treys of the afternoon while scoring the first eight points for Alabama.

Two first-year players on Alabama’s roster led the way Sunday: Auburn transfer Aden Holloway and freshman Labaron Philon.

When Holloway’s 3-pointer found the net with 14:23 to play, the Tide had made four of their first 10 shots from downtown for a 16-9 lead. Another 3-pointer from Holloway ended a two-and-a-half minute scoring drought.

Holloway struck again for his third 3-pointer, and Chris Youngblood sank one from the top of the key to lift Alabama to a 29-17 lead. Holloway had four three-pointers in the first 12-plus minutes as Alabama’s lead swelled to 40-17. The Crimson Tide closed the first half with a pair of 3-pointers in the final 90 seconds from Mark Sears.

Alabama made 12-of-29 three-point shots in the first half and shot 41.5 percent from the field.

In the second half, South Dakota State opened with a 7-0 run in the first 2:24 and trimmed the lead to 14 at one point before Holloway gave Alabama a much-needed basket from downtown that made it 75-56 with inside of 11 minutes to play in the game.

The Tide would lead by as many as 27 after Sears made a pull-up 3-pointer with six minutes to play. Holloway’s eighth 3-pointer with 3:07 to go pushed Alabama over 100 points. He tacked on one more from downtown to finish with a career-high 26 points.

Philon also had a career day with 21 points on 8-of-14 shots from the field, and Sears finished with 20 points. Nelson had 17 points to give the Tide four players in double figures.

Alabama shot 47 percent from the field and made 19 shots from behind the arc in the win over South Dakota State (9-6).

Alabama 2025 schedule

Alabama will open SEC play next Saturday at Coleman Coliseum against the No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners (13-0). Oklahoma defeated Prairie View A&M Sunday, 89-67. Tipoff for Alabama vs. OU is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT. The game can be seen on SEC Network.

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Alabama G Labaron Philon named SEC Freshman of the Week

SEC names Alabama G Labaron Philon as Freshman of the Week.

Just five games into his Alabama Crimson Tide career, true freshman G Labaron Philon is already making a name for himself. The former four-star and No. 34 overall recruit in the 2024 class has started four of the Tide’s five games and has seen as many minutes as anyone.

Philon has been sensational, averaging 12.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, and 5.2 apg on the season. He had his biggest game of the year last Wednesday in Alabama’s 100-87 victory over Illinois, scoring 16 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, two steals, and just one turnover. Alongside, pre-season Player of the Year candidate Mark Sears, Alabama certainly has a strong case for the best backcourt in college.

The SEC named Philon the Freshman of the Week for his dominant performance against the Fighting Illini. Alabama is now 4-1 on the year, with its lone loss coming at the hands of No. 13-ranked Purdue.

No. 9 Alabama will be back in action tonight against No. 6 in Houston in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Labaron Philon flirts with Alabama history in victory over Illinois

The freshman nearly made Alabama history Wednesday night.

As part of the Alabama Crimson Tide’s impressive 100-87 victory over the Illinois Fighting Illini on Wednesday night, the team received an impressive all-around performance from freshman guard Labaron Philon that definitely caught the attention of most around college basketball.

In all, Philon played 33 minutes in the contest, and finished with a final stat line of 16 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, two steals, and one block on 7-of-13 shooting from the field.

However, did you know that Philon also flirted with Alabama basketball history in this game as well?

If the freshman would have collected three more rebounds, as well as one more assist, then Philon would’ve became only the fourth player in Alabama program history to record a triple-double in a game. The only three others to do so are Roy Rogers, Kira Lewis Jr., and most recently a year ago, Aaron Estrada.

Still early in this season as well, could the freshman eventually join that group later this year?

Alabama lands commitment from 2024 4-star guard, former Kansas signee Labaron Philon

On Sunday, Alabama landed a commitment from 2024 four-star point guard Labaron Philon. He was formerly committed to Kansas.

The Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball program continues to add firepower to its roster. On Sunday afternoon, 2024 four-star point guard Labaron Philon announced that he was committed to Alabama.

Philon originally signed with Kansas coming out of high school. However, a series of roster moves and other factors led to Philon requesting a release from his National Letter of Intent.

Philon will be the second guard to commit to Alabama this month joining Auburn Tigers transfer guard Aden Holloway. Interestingly enough, Philon was committed to the Tigers before flipping his commitment to Kansas. Now, the Alabama native will be heading to Tuscaloosa to play for the Crimson Tide.

He concluded his career at Link Academy in Branson, Missouri. He was formerly at Baker High School in Mobile, Alabama.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow the latest regarding the Alabama men’s basketball program.

Alabama lands in top 4 for 2024 PG Labaron Philon

2024 point guard Labaron Philon announced his top schools list on Monday. Among those listed was Alabama.

Class of 2024 point guard Labaron Philon released his top schools list on Monday. Among those listed was the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Philon is an intriguing prospect to say the least. Prior to re-opening his recruitment, Philon was committed to in-state rival, Auburn.

Philon was named Mr. Basketball in Alabama following his junior season at Baker High School. He averaged 35 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game, and 3.9 assists per game.

Now, Philon will be suiting up for Link Academy (Mo.) for his senior season. Philon transferred to the Lions during the summer.

The move should not affect Philon’s recruitment. As it stands, Alabama and Ole Miss are in the best position to land his commitment. Cincinnati and Kansas are pushing but have more work to do in the coming months.

Needless to say, it will be interesting to see if Alabama’s coaching staff can get Philon on campus for a visit. That would certainly increase Alabama’s chances of landing the star guard prospect.

Roll Tide Wire breaks down Labaron Philon’s recruiting profile.

Auburn target Cam Scott gives update on recruiting process

Auburn target Cam Scott shares a recruiting update with On3’s Jamie Shaw.

[autotag]Cam Scott[/autotag], a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, is the No. 19 player in the class of 2024 according to On3. In an interview with Jamie Shaw of On3, Scott updated his recruitment.

Scott has taken four official visits. Other than Auburn, Scott has visited Oregon, South Carolina and Texas.

“I took early visits to Texas, Auburn and South Carolina,” Scott said. “They are all three absolutely still involved in my recruitment. My family and I have talked about revisiting those schools. However, there is only a certain amount of free time I have between now and when I commit, we are trying to see when and if we can fit anything in.”

Scott specifically talked about Auburn as well.

“Since the visit, I’ve been able to build my connection with the players. I already had a connection with the coaches and Coach (Bruce) Pearl when I went on the visit. Now I’m just building with some of the guys who are already there.”

There is plenty of competition for Scott’s commitment.

“I’ve got a visit scheduled to Ole Miss on Sept. 30,” Scott said. “We’re in the process of planning an Alabama visit soon too. Southern California recently offered as well, and they are talking about a visit. We are trying to see if we can fit one in with the time frame.”

Scott also elaborated on when a commitment can be expected.

“I don’t have a top group, and I probably won’t narrow my recruitment down at all before I pick a school,” Scott said. “I don’t have an exact date yet, but I’d like to commit before school ball starts. Sometime between Peach Jam and school ball starting.

“I want to go somewhere I can just zone out and get better. For me, player development is going to be big. I’ll be going into an entirely different playing field, so being able to just focus on myself and get better. I can see myself playing in most any system, I’m going to pick a school where I can best showcase my talent and feel comfortable.”

Auburn has one commit for the 2024 class, five-star guard [autotag]Tahaad Pettiford[/autotag]. Auburn is still in the hunt for [autotag]Labaron Philon[/autotag], although he recently decommitted from the program.

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