As Alabama basketball transitions into a new chapter following the highs of a 2024-25 campaign filled with both promise and heartbreak, all eyes now shift to the 2025-26 season. With head coach Nate Oats continuing to build a system predicated on spacing, speed, and offensive firepower, the pieces for another deep tournament run are falling into place. However, the potential return—or absence—of five-star guard Labaron Philon could drastically alter the Crimson Tide’s outlook next season.
Philon, the 6-foot-4 point guard who originally signed with Auburn before flipping to Alabama, has left his intentions somewhat unclear regarding his future. After an electric senior season at Link Academy and flashes of brilliance in summer circuits, Philon has the talent to make an immediate impact as a freshman. But reports of a possible reclassification, G League consideration, or even overseas interest leave the Tide in limbo.
Let’s break down what Alabama’s 2025-26 rotation might look like both with and without Philon.
Before diving into Philon’s effect on the rotation, it’s important to establish the returning core and incoming talent.
Returning Contributors:
- Rylan Griffen (Sr.) – If he opts to return instead of declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, Griffen would be Alabama’s most experienced and dynamic scorer on the wing.
- Sam Walters (Jr.) – A floor-spacing forward with size, Walters developed rapidly during the 2024-25 season. His shooting will again be vital.
- Jarin Stevenson (Jr.) – An athletic and versatile big who thrives in Oats’ uptempo style. He could start at either the four or five.
- Jai Lucas (So.) – A defensive-minded guard who earned minutes as a freshman; expected to take a sophomore leap.
- Mo Dioubate (So.) – A physically gifted forward and potential defensive anchor. He offers energy off the bench or in small-ball looks.
Incoming Freshmen:
- Labaron Philon (Fr.) – The centerpiece of the 2025 class. A top-15 national prospect and dynamic point guard.
- Luke Punch (Fr.) – A high-IQ combo guard and elite shooter from Florida. Could be a rotational piece even with Philon on board.
- Cameron Smith (Fr.) – A 6-foot-9 shot blocker with developing touch. He’s raw, but upside is undeniable.
Transfer Portal Additions (Projected):
Given Nate Oats’ track record, it’s almost a guarantee that Alabama will dip into the portal. They’re expected to target:
- A veteran big man with rebounding chops.
- A proven scorer at the two-guard spot if Philon does not return.
- A backup point guard with SEC experience to add depth regardless.
If Philon commits to staying in Tuscaloosa and joins the roster, Alabama’s starting five becomes one of the most intriguing in the nation.
Projected Starting Lineup:
- PG – Labaron Philon (Fr.)
- SG – Rylan Griffen (Sr.)
- SF – Sam Walters (Jr.)
- PF – Jarin Stevenson (Jr.)
- C – Transfer Big (TBD)
Philon immediately steps in as the lead ball-handler, giving Alabama a modern, slashing playmaker who can both create for others and score at all three levels. His ability to push tempo fits perfectly with Oats’ offensive philosophy.
Griffen slides into a more natural off-ball role where he can hunt threes and attack closeouts. His chemistry with Philon could mirror the Mark Sears–Griffen tandem from seasons past.
Walters and Stevenson provide floor spacing and versatility, while the need for a rim-protecting, rebounding big from the portal becomes essential to anchor the defense.
Bench Unit:
- G – Luke Punch (Fr.)
- G – Jai Lucas (So.)
- F – Mo Dioubate (So.)
- F – Cameron Smith (Fr.)
- G/F – Transfer Wing (TBD)
This bench offers a mix of shooting, defense, and youthful athleticism. Punch will see time as a secondary ball-handler and floor-spacer, while Lucas comes in for defensive assignments. Dioubate and Smith offer toughness and rim protection in small-ball or situational lineups.
In this scenario, Alabama has a deep, balanced team with star power in Philon and Griffen, complemented by versatile wings and stretch bigs. They’d likely start the season as a top-10 team in preseason polls with Final Four expectations.
Should Philon choose another path—be it reclassification, professional ball, or a flip to another program—the Tide’s backcourt takes a noticeable hit in star power and depth.
Projected Starting Lineup:
- PG – Jai Lucas (So.)
- SG – Rylan Griffen (Sr.)
- SF – Sam Walters (Jr.)
- PF – Jarin Stevenson (Jr.)
- C – Transfer Big (TBD)
Without Philon, Lucas is thrust into the starting point guard role. While talented and hard-nosed, he’s better suited as a secondary ball-handler and defensive stopper. Alabama would need to adjust its pace slightly and run more offense through Griffen and Walters to make up for the lack of elite creation at the point.
This puts pressure on the transfer portal. Oats would likely have to land a proven guard—ideally one with multiple years of starting experience in a Power Six conference—to stabilize the backcourt.
In this version, Punch and the potential portal addition become crucial contributors. Punch would likely get more on-ball reps than planned, and Oats may experiment with Walters or even Stevenson initiating offense in creative sets.
The scoring load would tilt heavily toward Griffen, who might be called upon to average over 17 points per game. Alabama’s offense may become more reliant on transition buckets and spacing the floor with three-point shooters like Walters and a pick-and-pop big.
While still a tournament team, the ceiling may dip from Final Four contention to Sweet 16 range without a game-changer like Philon.
- More pick-and-rolls and isolation sets to let him attack.
- Increased pace and transition play, capitalizing on his court vision.
- Greater flexibility in two-guard sets with Punch, Griffen, and Lucas sharing ball-handling duties.
- Ability to go small and fast, using Stevenson as a stretch five and Dioubate at the four.
- More off-ball movement and staggered screens to free Griffen.
- Possibly slower tempo, relying on half-court execution.
- Greater need for defensive grit, especially from Lucas and Dioubate.
- Dependence on portal additions to replicate Philon’s production.
Labaron Philon’s decision looms large over Alabama’s 2025-26 roster outlook. His presence would elevate the Tide to SEC title contenders and legitimate national threats. Without him, Nate Oats must lean on development, experience, and the transfer portal to sustain momentum from recent seasons.
Fortunately, Alabama’s modern offensive scheme, proven development track record, and recruiting prowess give them the flexibility to remain competitive either way. But make no mistake—landing Philon for the 2025-26 season would be a game-changer.
