Alabama basketball is on the cusp of making history, with not one but two players poised to become NBA first-round picks. But here’s where it gets exciting: Labaron Philon and Amari Allen are turning heads, each with their own unique journey to the big leagues. Let’s dive into their stories and why they’re generating so much buzz.
Last May, Labaron Philon made a bold decision. He withdrew his name from the NBA Draft, opting to return to Alabama for his sophomore season. It was a risky move, but one with a clear goal: transform himself from an early-second round prospect into a lottery pick. And this is the part most people miss— Philon’s gamble has paid off spectacularly. This season, the star guard has been unstoppable, averaging 21.3 points and nearly five assists per game. His 3-point shooting, once a question mark, has improved dramatically, climbing over eight percentage points while his attempts from beyond the arc have surged to nearly six per game.
Alabama head coach Nate Oats couldn’t be prouder. “When he tested in the draft, shooting was one of the areas they flagged,” Oats said. “He’s proven he can shoot—and at an elite level.” Philon’s transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie ranks him 13th overall on his 2026 Big Board, positioning him as Alabama’s next lottery pick. However, ESPN’s Jeremy Woo is slightly more cautious, placing Philon 21st overall and labeling him the seventh-best point guard in the draft. “Philon is one of the craftiest scorers in this class,” Woo writes, “but the depth at his position might push him to the middle or late first round.”
Here’s where it gets controversial: Where will Philon land? Mock drafts have him linked to teams like the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers, and Chicago Bulls. Each destination offers a unique opportunity, but which franchise will take the leap? And more importantly, can Philon live up to the hype?
But Philon isn’t the only Crimson Tide player making waves. Freshman Amari Allen has emerged as a serious one-and-done candidate, drawing NBA interest with his versatility and athleticism. Allen averages 11.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, second only to Philon in minutes played. What sets him apart is his ability to thrive in a positionless NBA. A skilled ball-handler with a 3-point shot that connects at over 37%, Allen can seamlessly transition between guard and forward roles.
“Amari is all about winning,” Oats said. “NBA teams value that mindset. He’s got the size, skill, and athleticism to make an impact at the next level.” Currently projected as a late-first to early-second round pick, Allen’s stock is rising fast, reminiscent of Philon’s trajectory last year.
But here’s the question that’s dividing fans: Can both Philon and Allen live up to the hype? While Philon’s improvement is undeniable, some argue that Allen’s lack of experience could be a hurdle. Others believe his upside is too great to ignore. What do you think? Are Philon and Allen the real deal, or is the excitement overblown? Let us know in the comments—this debate is just heating up!
