As we approach November 4, when Alabama will start its 2024-2025 campaign against the UNC Asheville Bulldogs in Coleman Coliseum, we will break down the thirteen scholarship players on the Crimson Tide roster, both new and old.

Next up in our rundown is freshman guard Labaron Philon.

Philon, the composite No. 35 prospect in the 2024 recruiting class at Baker High School in Mobile, Ala., where he was named Alabama Mr. Basketball in 2023. The 6-4 guard would also receive 7A Player of the Year honors twice during his three seasons at Baker, where he scored 2,334 points with the Hornets.

Philon would transfer to Link Academy in Missouri for his final high school basketball season.

Philon's college recruitment was hectic. Philon committed initially to the Auburn Tigers on February 3, 2023, before committing not even three months later on April 21.

Philon would reopen his recruitment throughout the summer, eventually committing to Kansas on September 25, 2023. The Mobile, Ala., native would sign his national letter of intent to the Jayhawks on November 8.

Philon requested to be released from his NLI several months later, on April 23, 2024, just over a year after decommitting from the Auburn Tigers.

Nate Oats and Co. would swoop in on Philon, earning his commitment five days later.

On3Sports had this to say about Philon:

"Labaron Philon is a quick on quick lead guard. [...] Philon has a quick handle that gets him into the paint. He can knock down a jump shot with three-point range and consistency. There is a confidence and a competitiveness with Philon. He needs to add strength as he has a slight frame. There is upside on the defensive end; he can move his feet guarding the ball and is quick to get into the passing lanes. There is a natural smoothness he has on the ball with an upside to continue getting better."

Even in a locker room filled to the brim with backcourt talent, Philon is still expected to see significant minutes during his first season in a Crimson Tide uniform.

Alabama's Disappointing Loss to Tennessee

Gallery Credit: Wyatt Fulton