Mobile Native and Former Alabama Star Labaron Philon Drafted in First Round to 76ers

June 24, 2026 Michael Brauner AL BASKETBALL, Alabama, Featured News
ATHENS, GA - MARCH 03: Guard Labaron Philon #0 of the Alabama Crimson Tide lays the ball up as forward Justin Abson #25 of the Georgia Bulldogs defends during the college basketball game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs on March 03, 2026, at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, GA. (Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire)

The Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball program under Nate Oats has been a factory of sending players to the next level, and Oats has now had his seventh player drafted throughout his time in Tuscaloosa on Tuesday night.

With the No. 22 overall selection in the first round of the NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers selected former Crimson Tide superstar and Mobile native Labaron Philon Jr. coming off a stellar two-year career in Tuscaloosa.

Philon was extremely emotional when his name was called, and now he heads to a 76ers team that made the playoffs last season and could become the final piece they need to get over the hump in the Eastern Conference and break through.

In his post-draft press conference, Philon — who returned for his sophomore season after flirting with the NBA last year and likely would have been drafted — was asked about the state of the Alabama program and what it has become under Oats, and the former Baker High School standout gave a glowing review for why future elite players should come play for the Crimson Tide.

“Nate Oats is a great coach, I trusted him with my career,” he said. “It was a dream of mine to go play for Alabama for two years…I credit [the entire coaching staff], the people they put around me, the ability to have that trust with me…Being able to be there for two years was really special.”