Is Labaron Philon Jr. a Top-10 Pick? Here's What Our Latest 2026 NBA Mock Draft Says
Labaron Philon Jr. withdrew from the 2025 NBA draft at the last possible second. He came back to Alabama and became one of the most productive NCAA players by improving in the key areas scouts asked for.
A potential first-round pick last May, Philon has turned himself into a lock. He finished his sophomore year with a 35-point game against Michigan in the NCAA tournament, marking the seventh time this season he reached at least 29 points.
Teams will take into account that he's older than other top guard prospects, which will likely limit the interest in Philon in the top 10 of a strong draft. But he's put himself in the conversation for teams in the late lottery after averaging 22.0 points and 4.7 assists on impressive efficiency across the board.
Essential Facts and Stats
College: Alabama | Position: PG | Height: 6'4" | Weight: 185 lbs | Age: 20 | PPG: 22.0 | RPG: 3.2 | APG: 4.7 | BPG: 0.2 | SPG: 1.1 | FG%: 50.9 | 3PT%: 40.2
Latest Mock Position
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No. 10
Realistic Draft Range: Late lottery to mid-first round
Given Philon's steady play throughout the year, he has stayed in the same projection tier since November.
There was no stretch where his improved shooting looked fluky, thanks to his consistency all season. He thrived early with more responsibility, and he continued to produce and take over stretches of games as Alabama's engine.
The younger, freshman point guards will look more enticing to lottery teams, particularly with Keaton Wagler's size and shotmaking, Kingston Flemings' athleticism and maturity, and Darius Acuff Jr.'s dominance in Year 1.
However, Philon doesn't have worrisome holes in his scouting report after two seasons, and he figures to go somewhere in the late lottery or teens to a team that simply believes he's the best player available.
Realistic Pro Comparison: Dejounte Murray
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Philon profiles similarly to Dejounte Murray, another scoring combo guard who's more shifty than explosive.
Both are tough to stay in front of. They're better at creating for themselves, though both are dangerous enough with their dribble to be used as primary ball-handlers who can set up others.
Neither started off as a shooter, but Murray made a big jump midway through his pro career, and Philon has shown significant improvement already, particularly with his pull-up.
Both guards' floaters are also reliable weapons after penetrating the perimeter defense.
Strengths
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Strength 1: Ball-screen scorer
Philon graded as one of the most efficient, high-volume pick-and-roll ball-handlers in the NCAA. His change of speed and directions works great for getting to spots in ball-screen situations. It's easy for Philon to create advantages and quality scoring opportunities with his dribble and shiftiness.
Strength 2: Paint scoring
Philon made 118 baskets at the rim and 32 floaters, showing touch and craftiness with his footwork and adjustment finishes. He improved his left hand around the rim this past season. He only dunked five times, but he went from 52.6 percent on layups last year to 66.1 percent on far more attempts.
Strength 3: Improved shooting
A limited shooter last year in terms of range and variety, Philon made 81 threes on 39.9 percent and hit 50 pull-up jumpers this season. It's not the most convincing-looking stroke with a seemingly two-handed release, but Philon clearly looked more fluid and confident around the perimeter, turning him into a three-level, isolation and ball-screen scorer.
Weaknesses
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Weakness 1: Athleticism
Philon's athleticism won't create many easy scoring opportunities. He has to rely on off-the-dribble footwork and moves to separate, plus craft and instincts around the rim. Only five dunk attempts in 1020 minutes for a 6'4" sophomore is low.
Weakness 2: Fit
Philon averaged 4.7 assists, but he's more of a combo than a lead playmaker. NBA teams may hesitate to give him the keys, and at 185 pounds, he could have problems defending and creating against NBA starting 2-guards.
Weakness 3: Off-ball value
Improved shooting should help create more versatility, but Philon didn't generate a lot of offense from off the ball at Alabama. He was used as a pick-and-roll ball-handler for 44.9 percent of his possessions. Philon recorded few baskets running around screens or cutting. Teams have to wonder how he'll adjust if he's drafted to a roster that already has a lead ball-handler.
