Breaking down NBA Draft stock of Labaron Philon, Mark Sears in Alabama system

For multiple years now, the Alabama basketball program has been lauded for NBA-style offense which sets up players to develop into professional players. Under Nate Oats, a growing number of players have successfully made the leap.

From one-and-done prospects to veteran players continuously tweaking their game, there is not one mold those players fit. From Brandon Miller to Herb Jones, they hold different stories.

Such is the case this year, as Alabama guards Labaron Philon and Mark Sears look to build their NBA Draft stock from the same position – in entirely different ways.

Here is a look at where the NBA Draft stock stands for each player, as they continue to make their case.

Breaking down Labaron Philon

A former four-star recruit, Philon previously committed to Auburn and Kansas, finally landing at Alabama as the No. 6 point guard in the 2024 class. Early projections had him sitting for most of the season behind the likes of Mark Sears, Latrell Wrightsell and Aden Holloway while refining his game.

Through injury, a developing rotation, and early development, Philon proved all those predictions wrong. Not only has he played big minutes, he has become one of the most important players and undoubtedly the top NBA prospect on the roster.

Averaging 11.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists, Philon has contributed to the offense as a scorer and playmaker. With room to grow as a shooting, his 29.0-percent 3-point number has shown slight growth from where it sat previously.

On defense, Philon has fit into the blue-collar culture, averaging 1.1 steals with a 105.9 defensive rating while often guarding one of the best perimeter scorers on the opposing team.

Perhaps the greatest attribute Philon has shown – and what raises him into the first-round conversation with lottery potential – is his ability to play both guard spots at 6-foot-3, often on the court with Sears or Holloway.

Despite a recent stretch where he has struggled to provide the same impact, he has displayed enough positive outcomes to maintain his stock and leave that upward door open.

Breaking down Mark Sears

Since transferring from Ohio, Mark Sears has established himself as one of the best guards in college basketball. Going through the NBA’s pre-draft process while maintaining eligibility proved that even after an All-American season, there was a question mark in his game.

Unfortunately, despite averaging 21.5 points and 4.0 assists on 50.8, 43.6, 85.7 splits in 2023-24 while leading a Final Four run, Sears only stood 5-foot-10 at the NBA Draft Combine.

In a league where short players continue to shrink in number – and point guard prospects seem to stand at least 6-foot-5 nowadays – there are simply a limited number of opportunities for Sears.

While NIL certainly played a role in his college return, a lack of high-level NBA interest certainly played a role.

This season, Sears is averaging 18.0 points and 5.0 assists on 40.2, 35.7, 82.4 splits.

Two games where Sears has been removed entirely from the lineup also hurt the general perception, but should not have a negative impact on draft stock given what his future role would likely be in the NBA.

The second round is still in reach, but lower numbers this season do nothing to help his case with scouts focusing on a problem he cannot solve.

The path for Sears may be narrower than for some, but it does not mean the door is closed. After all, the New York Knicks have put the franchise in the hands of a similarly built guard Jalen Brunson.