The wait was likely longer than he expected, but Alabama star guard Labaron Philon Jr. heard his name called in the NBA draft Tuesday night.
Philon was mocked as high as No. 16 overall by CBS Sports’ Adam Finkelstein, but was selected No. 22 overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. He became the 20th player in program history taken in the first round of the NBA draft and the fifth player taken in the first round of the NBA draft during the Nate Oats era.
Philon grew emotional after NBA commissioner Adam Silver called his name.
PROCESSING 🔔
Labaron Philon Jr. is heading to Philadelphia! pic.twitter.com/TsBmesCFbp
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 24, 2026
Philon initially declared for the NBA draft last season but returned to Tuscaloosa for a second season under Oats after receiving feedback from scouts at the NBA combine. The sophomore improved in several statistical categories in year two with the Crimson Tide, averaging 22 points, five assists and 3.5 rebounds per game on 50.1% shooting this past season.
His play helped guide the team to its fourth straight Sweet 16 appearance, in which he scored 35 points against eventual national champions Michigan.
“I do think he is going to be one of the 10 [to] 12 best players in this draft class when we check in five years from now,” CBS Sports writer Matt Norlander said after the pick.
Despite the slide in the draft, the sophomore from Mobile will begin his NBA career on a contending team with a chance to receive meaningful minutes as a rookie.
