Sam Vecenie evaluates where Labaron Philon’s NBA Draft stock stands

When Labaron Philon got to Alabama, there was a serious possibility of him sitting out for the year. Taking a year to redshirt and learn under Nate Oats would set him up for a big 2025-2026 season after being a highly rated recruit. But after some injuries inside the program and Philon impressing early, the playing time has been there.

Talks of leaving for the NBA Draft have ramped up as well. Sam Vecenie of The Athletic spent some time talking about Philon’s stock recently, having some concerns about who the Alabama guard will be able to defend at the next level.

“He’s only really going to be able to guard ones and twos at the end of the day,” Vecenie said. “Honestly, there are some twos that are going to be able to physically powerfully throw him around, in my opinion. I don’t know what to do, man. It’s tricky.”

The topic got brought up because a comparison was made to former UConn and current San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle. He stands at 6-6, 215 pounds and is known for being able to go up against multiple positions. Philon is a little smaller, weighing in at 6-4, 177 pounds. Vecenie cannot see Philon defending forwards when required.

Another comparison thrown out was Rajon Rondo due to great athleticism and shooting not being the biggest priority. Philon is just under 28% from under three this season but is Alabama’s second-leading assist man at 3.5 per game.

On3’s James Fletcher recently put together position rankings for the 2025 NBA Draft. Philon is currently the No. 6 point guard, four of which are also current freshmen in college basketball. The ability to rise in everyone’s rankings is certainly there as Alabama continues to play in high-leverage games.

A recent injury did see Philon end up on the injury report but a week off will do the freshman guard well. Next up for Alabama is Arkansas, heading to Fayetteville on Saturday. Performing well in the back-half of the season could do wonders for the draft stock.

Philon played high school basketball at Link Academy, where he was a four-star prospect, but is originally from Mobile, AL. He was the No. 35 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.