Alabama basketball is getting one of its biggest stars back for the coming season. In a surprise turn of events, the university’s collective announced late Wednesday night that starting guard Labaron Philon will be withdrawing from the NBA draft and returning to the Crimson Tide for his sophomore season.
Philon’s decision to return to college comes as a surprise. Two weeks ago, the star guard told ESPN that he was “all-in on the draft.” When asked if that meant the guard ruled out a return to Alabama next season, Philon responded, “Yeah,” stating he already told the Crimson Tide of his intention.
Philon was projected to land somewhere between the late first round or early second round in next month’s NBA Draft. Wednesday was the deadline for him to withdraw his name and return to school.
During his freshman season the Mobile, Alabama native started 29 games over 37 appearances, averaging 10.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.4 steals. He shot 45.2% from the floor and 31.5% from beyond the arc.
