Alabama basketball is on the brink of making history, with not one but two players poised to become the next big names in the NBA. But here's where it gets exciting: Labaron Philon and Amari Allen are trending to be the state’s next first-round draft picks, and their journeys are nothing short of remarkable. Let’s dive into what makes these players stand out—and why their stories might just spark some debate.
Last May, Labaron Philon made a bold decision. He withdrew his name from the NBA Draft and returned to Alabama for his sophomore season, betting on himself to improve his stock from an early-second rounder to a lottery pick. And this is the part most people miss: It wasn’t just about staying in school—it was about addressing specific weaknesses. Philon’s focus? His shooting. Fast forward to now, and the results are undeniable. The star guard is averaging 21.3 points per game, nearly five assists, and has seen his 3-point percentage skyrocket by over eight percentage points. He’s now attempting nearly six threes per game, proving he’s not just a scorer but a versatile threat.
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 a high level.” This transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie ranks Philon 13th overall on his 2026 Big Board, positioning him as a potential lottery pick. However, here’s where it gets controversial: ESPN’s Jeremy Woo isn’t as sold, placing Philon 21st overall and citing the depth at his position as a factor. “Philon is one of the shiftiest scorers in this class,” Woo writes, “but the competition at point guard pushes him toward the middle to late first round.” So, which scout has it right? That’s a question that’ll keep fans debating until draft night.
Teams like the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers, and Chicago Bulls are rumored to be keeping a close eye on Philon. But he’s not the only Crimson Tide player turning heads. Freshman Amari Allen has emerged as a serious one-and-done candidate, averaging 11.5 points and 7.5 rebounds while showcasing the kind of athleticism that thrives in today’s positionless NBA. Allen’s ability to handle the ball and shoot over 37% from three-point range makes him a versatile asset, capable of playing both guard and forward.
“Amari is all about winning,” Oats said. “NBA teams value that mindset, and when you combine it with his size, skill, and athleticism, it’s a package that’s hard to ignore.” Allen is currently projected as a late-first to early-second round pick, mirroring Philon’s position last year. But with his rapid development, could he climb even higher? And this is the part most people miss: Allen’s potential isn’t just about his stats—it’s about his adaptability in a league that rewards versatility.
So, here’s the big question: Are Philon and Allen the future of Alabama basketball in the NBA? Or is the hype overblown? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
