Labaron Philon, Mark Sears, and Grant Nelson have all received invitations to the NBA Draft Combine. Each had a crucial role in the Alabama basketball team’s 2025 run to the Elite Eight.

As the 2025 NCAA basketball season came to a thrilling conclusion, Alabama’s basketball team made its mark on the national stage, reaching the Elite Eight in an unforgettable run that captivated fans, analysts, and basketball enthusiasts across the country. The players who contributed to this remarkable achievement are now at the precipice of a new chapter in their careers—one that will lead them to the NBA Draft Combine. Among those invited to showcase their skills in front of NBA scouts, executives, and coaches are Labaron Philon, Mark Sears, and Grant Nelson, three key contributors to Alabama’s tournament success. Their journeys, both individual and collective, have been nothing short of inspiring, and now they stand poised to take their next steps toward professional basketball.

The invitation to the NBA Draft Combine represents not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the hard work, talent, and perseverance that each of these players has demonstrated throughout the season. It is an honor few athletes achieve, but for Philon, Sears, and Nelson, it is the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. This moment is a celebration of the Alabama basketball program’s rise to national prominence, and it speaks to the depth of talent that has come to define the team under coach Nate Oats’ leadership.

Labaron Philon’s impact on Alabama’s Elite Eight run was immediate and undeniable. As one of the team’s most dynamic and versatile players, Philon’s ability to score, defend, and facilitate for his teammates made him a key contributor in every game during the tournament. His athleticism and basketball IQ were on full display, particularly in the team’s high-pressure games where he consistently rose to the occasion. Whether it was driving to the basket with power, hitting clutch mid-range shots, or locking down opponents defensively, Philon was a constant presence on the court. His ability to seamlessly transition between offense and defense was a hallmark of Alabama’s balanced play throughout the tournament.

Philon’s growth as a player was evident not just in his statistics, but in the way he had matured as a leader. Throughout the season, he demonstrated the ability to lead by example, putting in the hard work necessary to elevate his game and inspire his teammates. His defensive prowess was often a game-changer, and his quickness and agility allowed him to guard multiple positions with relative ease. On offense, Philon’s ability to create for himself and others made him one of the most dangerous players on the floor. Whether it was in the fast break or within the flow of the half-court offense, Philon consistently put pressure on opposing defenses, forcing them to adjust to his skill set.

Off the court, Philon’s determination and focus were central to his development. His work ethic during practices and off-season workouts became legendary within the Alabama basketball program, as he constantly pushed himself to improve. That drive and hunger were reflected in his play during the Elite Eight run, where he showed a level of maturity and poise that belied his years. For NBA scouts, Philon’s combination of athleticism, skill, and mental toughness made him a standout prospect. His invitation to the NBA Draft Combine is the next logical step in a journey that has seen him evolve into one of the top players in college basketball.

Mark Sears, another critical piece of Alabama’s Elite Eight run, was the steady hand that guided the team through moments of adversity and pressure. As one of the team’s most experienced and reliable players, Sears was often tasked with taking over games when the stakes were highest. His basketball IQ, combined with his scoring ability and leadership, made him a pivotal figure for Alabama. Whether it was his clutch shooting, his defensive intensity, or his leadership on and off the court, Sears consistently demonstrated why he was one of the most valuable players on the team.

Sears’ shooting was one of Alabama’s biggest weapons during the tournament. His ability to knock down three-pointers, especially in key moments, helped open up the floor for his teammates and forced opponents to adjust their defensive schemes. Beyond his shooting, Sears also excelled in creating opportunities for others. His vision and passing allowed him to orchestrate Alabama’s offense and set up his teammates for easy scoring chances. He was a true floor general, capable of controlling the tempo of the game and making the right decision in high-pressure situations.

Sears’ growth as a player was evident throughout the 2025 season, but it was his leadership during the NCAA tournament that set him apart. As a veteran presence on a team filled with underclassmen, Sears’ ability to calm his teammates during moments of tension was invaluable. His poise under pressure, combined with his knack for hitting big shots in crucial moments, allowed Alabama to advance deep into the tournament. In many ways, Sears embodied the spirit of the team—focused, resilient, and determined to succeed no matter the odds. NBA scouts took notice of Sears’ leadership qualities, his ability to perform under pressure, and his well-rounded skill set. His invitation to the NBA Draft Combine was a recognition of the crucial role he played in Alabama’s success and a chance for him to showcase his abilities on an even bigger stage.

Grant Nelson, the final member of this trio, was perhaps one of the most underrated players on Alabama’s roster throughout the 2025 season. His contributions were vital, particularly on the defensive end, where his length and athleticism made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Nelson’s ability to guard multiple positions, block shots, and disrupt passing lanes added a level of versatility to Alabama’s defense that made them one of the toughest teams to break down in the tournament. But it wasn’t just his defense that made him valuable. Nelson’s growth as an offensive player throughout the season allowed him to contribute in a variety of ways. His ability to finish around the basket, stretch the floor with his shooting, and grab crucial rebounds in key moments were integral to Alabama’s tournament run.

Nelson’s journey was one of steady improvement. While he may not have garnered the same level of attention as some of his more high-profile teammates, his contributions were no less significant. Over the course of the season, Nelson became known as a player who could step up when the game was on the line. His defensive presence was felt every time Alabama needed a stop, and his ability to make plays on offense helped create opportunities for his teammates. It was this all-around skill set that made Nelson such an important piece for the team and one of the more intriguing prospects heading into the NBA Draft Combine.

Nelson’s combination of size, skill, and athleticism made him a player that NBA scouts were eager to evaluate further. His ability to guard in space, switch on defense, and contribute offensively as a floor-spacing big man made him a potential value pick for teams looking for versatility. As the tournament wore on, Nelson’s confidence grew, and his ability to impact games in different ways became even more evident. The NBA Draft Combine represents a chance for Nelson to further prove his worth as a multi-dimensional player who can contribute in multiple areas.

For all three of these players—Philon, Sears, and Nelson—their journey to the NBA Draft Combine is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of Alabama basketball’s growth as a program. Under coach Nate Oats, the team has consistently developed talent and made deep runs in the NCAA tournament, culminating in a historic Elite Eight appearance in 2025. The success of Philon, Sears, and Nelson is a testament to the coaching staff’s ability to nurture talent and prepare players for the next level. Their individual successes represent the program’s broader vision and its ability to produce players capable of thriving at the highest level of basketball.

As the NBA Draft Combine approaches, all eyes will be on Labaron Philon, Mark Sears, and Grant Nelson. Each of them has already proven themselves as indispensable parts of Alabama’s historic Elite Eight run, and now they will have the opportunity to prove themselves on an even bigger stage. The Combine is not just an evaluation of skill, but a chance for these young men to show NBA teams who they are as players and as people. It will be the next step in their basketball journey, and with their talent, work ethic, and drive, there’s no doubt that all three will leave a lasting impression. Their futures are bright, and the Combine is just the beginning of what could be a thrilling new chapter for each of them in the world of professional basketball.