The Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball program got a massive boost on Wednesday afternoon when news broke that they would be getting one of their most important players back from this past season’s Elite Eight run.
Mobile native Labaron Philon shocked fans with his decision to pull his name out of the NBA Draft and return to Tuscalooosa for his sophomore season.
Not to be outdone however, the Auburn Tigers also got huge news when they found out their star freshman Tahaad Pettiford would also be going back to school from the draft.
Pettiford declared for the NBA Draft after an incredible first season on The Plains capped off by what was a dominant NCAA Tournament performance, but he maintained his eligibility to preserve the possibility of returning.
After receiving feedback from NBA scouts, both players decided another year in college is in their best interest, and they will be returning to school:
NEWS: Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford is withdrawing from the NBA Draft process and will return to Auburn next season, source told @On3sports.
The 6-1 guard was one one of the top freshmen in college basketball this season. https://t.co/T8uh80aSwA pic.twitter.com/v0Rpfd3VOX
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) May 28, 2025
Breaking: Labaron Philon returning to Alabama, withdraws from NBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/4NKpED2Kob
— Yea Alabama (@yea_ala) May 29, 2025
Pettiford averaged 11.6 points per game throughout the season along with 2.2 rebounds and three assists, but down the stretch he was even better than that.
The former Baker star Philon averaged double figures as well with 10.6 points per game along with 3.3 rebounds and nearly four assists.
Before the Tigers lost to eventual national champion Florida in the Final Four, Pettiford scored 16, 23, and 20 points in Auburn’s first three games of the NCAA Tournament.
Like Pettiford, Philon seemed to get stronger as the season went on, figuring out what was the toughest conference in college basketball last year.
Likely passing up a chance to be a first round pick instead of going back to school, both players will have a chance to be one of the first names selected in next year’s draft if they can have another great season.
