Labaron Philon's All-American Recognition Marks Another Milestone for Nate Oats at Alabama Nate Oats continues to redefine success for Alabama basketball, with Labaron Philon’s recent selection to the AP All-American third team adding another layer to his legacy. The Crimson Tide’s head coach, who led the program to its first Final Four appearance in 2022, has now overseen a historic era of individual and team achievement. Philon’s nod underscores Oats’ ability to cultivate talent and elevate Alabama’s national profile. Philon’s All-American season followed a breakout freshman campaign that initially led him to declare for the NBA Draft. His last-minute decision to return for his sophomore year paid dividends, as he nearly doubled his scoring average and became a key contributor to Alabama’s NCAA Tournament run. The 6-foot-10 forward, projected as a late first- or early second-round pick in 2025, is now considered a potential lottery candidate for the 2026 draft. Oats’ impact on Alabama basketball is undeniable. Before his arrival in 2017, the program had only seven AP All-Americans in its history. Under his leadership, the Crimson Tide have produced five additional selections, including two first-teamers—Brandon Miller (2022) and Mark Sears (2023)—and now Philon. This marks the fifth consecutive season Alabama has had an All-American, a feat that highlights the program’s sustained excellence. The 4-seed Alabama received in this year’s NCAA Tournament is another testament to Oats’ success. Prior to his tenure, the Crimson Tide had earned a 4-seed or better just four times in program history. Oats has now achieved that milestone five times, including four straight seasons. His ability to consistently build competitive teams has positioned Alabama as a perennial powerhouse in the SEC.#labaron_philon #nate_oats #alabama_basketball #ap_all_american #cotton_bowl
Alabama's Labaron Philon named third-team All-American by the AP Alabama guard Labaron Philon was honored with a third-team All-American designation by the Associated Press for the 2025-26 season. The Crimson Tide’s leading scorer earned the recognition, marking a significant achievement in his sophomore campaign. Philon, who averages 21.7 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game, has been a standout performer for Alabama. His shooting efficiency is notable, with a 50.9% field goal percentage, 40.2% from beyond the arc, and a 78.7% free-throw accuracy. The guard has consistently contributed to the team’s success, scoring 20 or more points in 19 of his 30 appearances. Philon’s selection places him among the top players in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), as he is one of three SEC representatives on the AP All-America Team. Alongside him are Arkansas’ Darius Acuff, who earned a first-team spot, and Florida’s Thomas Haugh, also named to the third team. This recognition highlights the strength of the SEC in collegiate basketball, with multiple players receiving national acclaim. The AP All-America Team is one of four major consensus lists, alongside selections from the National Association of Basketball Coaches, Sporting News, and the United States Basketball Writers Association. While the AP’s selection process is one of the most respected, it is not the only avenue for players to gain recognition. Sporting News also named Philon a third-team All-American, further validating his impact on the court. The 2025-26 AP All-America Team includes a diverse group of players from across the nation. Notable selections include Cameron Boozer of Duke, AJ Dybantsa from BYU, and Darius Acuff of Arkansas.#alabama #associated_press #labaron_philon #secon #ap_all_american_team
