Alabama Basketball Star Labaron Philon Selected No. 22 Overall by Philadelphia 76ers in 2026 NBA Draft

Alabama basketball has done it again.

On Tuesday night, former Crimson Tide star Labaron Philon heard his name called in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft when the Philadelphia 76ers selected him with the No. 22 overall pick. It marks another major milestone for Nate Oats’ program and another reminder that Alabama basketball has firmly established itself as one of the premier developers of NBA talent in college basketball.

For Philon, the moment was the culmination of years of hard work, growth, and perseverance. After arriving in Tuscaloosa as one of the most talented guards in the country, he developed into one of the SEC’s most dynamic offensive weapons and one of the best point guards in college basketball.

During his sophomore season, Philon elevated his game to another level. He averaged 22.0 points and 5.0 assists per game while shooting nearly 40 percent from three-point range. His ability to score at all three levels, create opportunities for teammates, and take over games made him one of the most difficult guards in America to defend.

What made Philon special at Alabama wasn't just the statistics. It was the way he controlled the game. He had a knack for delivering big plays in big moments and routinely stepped up against elite competition. Whether it was attacking the rim, knocking down a clutch three-pointer, or setting up a teammate for an easy basket, Philon consistently found ways to impact winning.

His development under Nate Oats is another example of why Alabama has become one of the nation's premier basketball programs. Oats has now produced multiple first-round NBA Draft selections during his tenure, and Philon becomes another Crimson Tide standout to make the jump to the professional ranks.

For the Philadelphia 76ers, Philon brings an exciting skill set to a team looking to add young talent to its backcourt. Many analysts projected him as a first-round selection thanks to his elite offensive instincts, playmaking ability, and improved perimeter shooting. The Sixers are getting a player capable of creating offense both for himself and for those around him.

There were questions throughout the pre-draft process about where Philon would ultimately land. Some mock drafts had him going in the lottery while others projected him in the middle of the first round. Regardless of where he was selected, there was little doubt he possessed NBA-level talent.

On Tuesday night, Philadelphia made sure he didn't have to wait too long.

For Alabama fans, this moment is about more than one player. It is another sign of how far the program has come under Nate Oats. Not long ago, first-round NBA Draft picks were rare in Tuscaloosa. Now they have become an expectation.

As Philon walked across the stage and officially became a member of the Philadelphia 76ers organization, he also added his name to Alabama basketball history.

The next chapter begins now.

And if his time in Tuscaloosa was any indication, Labaron Philon is just getting started.