Alabama's Labaron Philon Jr. Drafted No. 22 Overall by Philadelphia 76ers in 2026 NBA Draft

Alabama's Labaron Philon Jr. Drafted No. 22 Overall by Philadelphia 76ers in 2026 NBA Draft

Alabama basketball has another name in the NBA record books. The Philadelphia 76ers selected Crimson Tide guard Labaron Philon Jr. with the No. 22 overall pick in Tuesday's 2026 NBA Draft, continuing a strong run of Alabama talent reaching the professional level.

Philon's decision to return to Tuscaloosa for his sophomore season paid off in a big way. He averaged 22 points, 5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game this past season, while shooting an efficient 50.1 percent from the field and 39.9 percent from three. Those numbers put him among the most dynamic offensive guards in this year's draft class and helped him climb draft boards after entering as a projected late first-round name.

The Mobile native now lands in a backcourt with Philadelphia star Tyrese Maxey, giving the Sixers another shot-creator who can play on or off the ball. Scouts have pointed to Philon's shiftiness, change-of-speed ability, and improved shooting as the traits that make him a sleeper candidate to outperform his draft slot.

For Alabama, it's another data point in the Nate Oats era's track record of developing NBA-ready guards, and Crimson Tide fans now have a new player to follow on Sundays.

What do you expect from Philon Jr. in his rookie season with the Sixers? Drop your prediction in the comments.

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