Labaron Philon Taking it All In In First NCAA Tournament Game

Cleveland, Ohio. - Alabama is back in the NCAA tournament for the fourth straight season, led by Mark Sears and Grant Nelson who are back for their third and second tournament appearances with the Tide, respectively.

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Despite the leadership by Sears and Nelson, one of the premier playmakers for the Tide this season has been true freshman Labaron Philon. Philon, a 6-foot-4, 177-pound guard from Mobile, Alabama, is scoring 10.9 points per game for the Crimson Tide this season.

Alabama's NCAA Tournament berth is the first for Philon, who signed with Alabama in May 2024. The freshman reflected on playing in his first college basketball season.

"You know, it's been great, been a great journey. I've been learning things and enjoying things, but just mostly trying to soak it all in and just be there in the moment and just be a young guy," Philon said.

"But as a young guy, sometimes you've got to step up, and that's what this team needs from me. So I'm going to try to be a leader and just try to have everybody on the same page."

Since re-entering the starting lineup, Philon has been the primary ball handler for Alabama, allowing Sears, among others, to work off-ball.

The Sportsbook at Pearl River Resort sponsors our coverage of the NCAA tournament. Located at Golden Moon Hotel & Casino, it offers traditional sports betting, where guests can bet on all professional league sports and major collegiate sporting events.

Taco Casa also sponsors our coverage of the NCAA tournament. Under the biggest cactus in town, Taco Casa serves authentic, great-tasting food and award-winning sweet tea in Tuscaloosa. The quality, taste, and tradition that truly are Tuscaloosa. 

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.