Alabama Freshman Labaron Philon Projected as Late First-Round Pick in ESPN’s Latest NBA Mock Draft Following Lottery Results
Alabama guard Labaron Philon came into the college basketball season with a considerable reputation, but even the most optimistic Crimson Tide fans may not have foreseen just how quickly the freshman guard would adapt to the highest levels of competition. Now, after a standout season under Nate Oats and a strong postseason showing, Philon has emerged as one of the more intriguing names in ESPN’s post-lottery NBA mock draft.
According to ESPN’s latest projections released shortly after the NBA Draft lottery finalized the first 14 picks, Philon is slotted to go late in the first round. Specifically, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo have Philon projected to be selected with the 25th overall pick, landing him with a playoff-caliber team that’s likely to value his upside, speed, and maturity as a floor general. While that may not place him in the rarified air of top-five draft conversation, being a first-round pick in what scouts have called a “wide-open draft” is an impressive feat—especially for a player who wasn’t widely considered a one-and-done lock entering the season.
Philon’s climb up the draft boards has been gradual, methodical, and in many ways reflective of the very qualities that NBA scouts have come to love about his game. He isn’t flashy in the traditional sense; he doesn’t possess the jaw-dropping explosiveness of a Ja Morant or the raw physical dominance of a Zion Williamson. What he does offer, however, is a polished, cerebral approach to the game that’s become increasingly rare in teenage point guards. That maturity, paired with his steady hand and improving jump shot, has made him a name to circle as the pre-draft process heats up.
During the 2024–25 college basketball season, Philon averaged 13.8 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game while shooting 45 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range. But the numbers alone don’t fully capture the impact he had on Alabama’s offense, particularly during their postseason run. As the season wore on, Philon became more than just a contributor; he became the pulse of the Crimson Tide’s fast-paced, perimeter-heavy attack.
His feel for the game is perhaps his greatest strength. He rarely forces the issue and has a natural instinct for when to push tempo and when to pull it back. In transition, he’s a blur, capable of collapsing defenses with his speed and hitting shooters in stride on the wings. In the half-court, he showcases a tight handle and a knack for using ball screens effectively—a skill that has become even more valuable in today’s pick-and-roll heavy NBA offenses.
One of the primary reasons scouts are projecting him as a late first-round selection rather than a lottery pick is his physical profile. At just under 6-foot-4 and weighing around 180 pounds, Philon doesn’t have the kind of elite frame or wingspan that front offices often covet in the upper reaches of the draft. There are also questions about how well he’ll defend NBA-level athletes at the point of attack. Though he competes on the defensive end and has solid instincts, his lack of elite size and strength could be a concern early in his career.
Still, for teams drafting in the 20s—many of whom are contenders looking for cost-effective backcourt help—Philon offers a compelling mix of skills and upside. His ability to organize an offense, hit shots off the dribble, and make smart decisions under pressure makes him a plug-and-play candidate for second units. Additionally, his unselfish approach and coachability have earned rave reviews from both Alabama staff and NBA scouts alike.
ESPN’s mock draft notes that several teams picking in the back end of the first round could be a good fit for Philon. Among them are the Milwaukee Bucks, who could be seeking a long-term answer at backup point guard behind Damian Lillard, and the Denver Nuggets, who value intelligent players capable of fitting into a championship-caliber structure. Another potential landing spot mentioned is the Phoenix Suns, who are still looking to solidify their backcourt rotation beyond their aging stars.
It’s also worth noting that the pre-draft process could still move Philon’s stock up or down. Workouts, interviews, and the NBA Draft Combine can all play a massive role in how teams view players—especially those in the 20–40 range. Philon reportedly plans to participate fully in the combine, and sources close to the situation say he’s already begun scheduling private workouts with multiple teams, including those picking in both the late first and early second rounds.
Philon’s steady demeanor and competitive fire are often cited by those around the Alabama program as key factors in his success. A native of Mobile, Alabama, Philon originally committed to Auburn before flipping to the Crimson Tide—a move that drew plenty of headlines and scrutiny. But in hindsight, it may have been the perfect decision for his development. Nate Oats gave Philon the freedom to grow into his role and the green light to learn through experience, even in high-pressure moments.
Perhaps no performance better encapsulated his potential than his 21-point, 6-assist outing in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16, where he outdueled a more heralded opposing guard and made several clutch plays down the stretch. It was a microcosm of the traits that NBA front offices have come to appreciate: composure, creativity, and competitive toughness.
Off the court, Philon has earned praise for his work ethic and humility. Those close to him describe a player who is always the first in the gym and the last to leave. He has reportedly impressed teams in early interviews with his professionalism and understanding of what will be required to succeed at the next level.
What also makes Philon’s case intriguing is the wider context of this year’s draft class. With no clear-cut superstar at the top and a broad consensus that picks 10 through 40 are relatively flat in terms of talent, several scouts believe teams will be making selections based more on fit and organizational philosophy than on raw potential alone. That bodes well for players like Philon—smart, reliable, skilled guards who can help win games without demanding the spotlight.
There’s also a growing appreciation across the league for college guards who have proven they can run an offense and manage tempo, especially as the NBA moves toward more positionless, read-and-react basketball. Philon fits that mold to a tee, and it’s likely part of the reason why his stock has risen steadily since January.
Looking ahead, much will depend on how he continues to develop his frame and fine-tune his jumper. While he shot decently from beyond the arc this season, improving his range and quickening his release will be key at the next level. Defensively, he’ll need to work on his strength and technique to handle the rigors of guarding NBA point guards and wings. But none of those concerns appear insurmountable, especially given his track record of improvement.
Ultimately, being projected as a first-round pick is a significant milestone for Philon and a testament to the work he’s put in over the past year. Few freshmen enter the college ranks and leave after one season with their draft stock intact—let alone improved. Philon has done just that, and in doing so, he’s positioned himself to start his professional journey with both opportunity and expectations.
Whether he ends up as a rotational guard on a contender or carves out a bigger role with a rebuilding team, Labaron Philon has made it clear he belongs on the NBA radar. And based on ESPN’s latest mock draft, he won’t have to wait too long on draft night to hear his name called.
