**TUSCALOOSA, Ala.** — Labaron Philon’s journey to basketball stardom began on a humble dirt court in Mobile, Alabama, where his love for the game was nurtured through countless hours of play against his older brother, cousins, and even his father. Now, the freshman phenom is making waves as a starter for No. 6 Alabama, showcasing his skills on college basketball’s biggest stages and emerging as a projected top-20 pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
Philon’s early days were far from glamorous. He grew up playing on a makeshift court with a hoop held up by stones and sandbags, often facing off against older, tougher competition. “My dad used to get out there too, and he was really good,” Philon told *BamaCentral*. “I was the youngest player, and sometimes I had to fight to get on the court. But when I did, I made the best of it. That’s where most of my competitiveness comes from.”
His mother, Alicia Philon, recalls her son’s natural talent and determination. “I would watch him do amazing things on the court and wonder, ‘Where does he get this stuff from?’” she said. “It’s not like he comes from a family of basketball players. He’s just that special one. It was in him.”
Philon’s passion for basketball was evident from a young age. By kindergarten, he was already dribbling a ball and dreaming of the NBA, inspired by legends like Michael Jordan and Stephen Curry. His competitive spirit was honed in the family driveway, where he regularly faced off against his older brother Corey and cousins, often playing against kids four years his senior.
As Philon grew older, his talent became impossible to ignore. By eighth grade, he could dunk, and by high school, he was a local sensation at Baker High School. During his junior year, he averaged an astounding 34.7 points per game, leading his team in nearly every statistical category and earning accolades like the Gatorade Alabama Boys Basketball Player of the Year and Alabama’s Mr. Basketball in 2023.
“He sold out games, standing room only,” Alicia said. “The entire city would come out just to see him play. It was a great experience, but it also became clear that basketball was no longer just a hobby for him—it was his future.”
Philon’s success at Baker caught the attention of college recruiters, including Alabama assistant coach Preston Murphy. “The first time I watched him, I remember seeing his energy,” Murphy said. “He’s the type of player who commands a team and elevates everyone around him.”
Despite initially committing to Auburn, Philon decommitted after coaching changes and ultimately chose to transfer to Link Academy, a prestigious basketball-focused boarding school in Missouri. There, he faced elite competition daily, further sharpening his skills and preparing him for the next level.
“Link Academy is all about basketball,” Philon said. “You’re working all day, every day. It’s a place where you’re surrounded by the best players in the country, and that’s what I needed to grow.”
Now, as a key player for Alabama, Philon is living out his childhood dream. He’s already made an impact against ranked opponents and is poised to take his game to the NBA. But no matter how far he goes, he’ll always remember the lessons learned on that dusty court back home.
“I’ve always been a hard worker,” Philon said. “I kept my head down and focused on getting better every day. That’s what got me here, and that’s what will keep me going.”
With his competitive mindset and relentless drive, Labaron Philon is well on his way to becoming the next great basketball star—a testament to the power of perseverance and the magic of a dream born on a humble dirt court.
Leave a Reply