Labaron Philon Jr. and the Alabama Crimson Tide put together an impressive 2025-26 college basketball season. Under head coach Nate Oats, the Crimson Tide went 25-10 and 13-5 in SEC matchups. Unfortunately, their run at a national championship was ended after a Sweet 16 loss to the No. 1-seeded Michigan Wolverines.
Much of the success can be attributed to Philon. The sophomore appeared in 33 games, averaging 22 points (led the team), 3.5 rebounds and five assists (led the team). He also shot 50.1% from the field and 39.9% from the three-point line. However, after declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft on April 7, his time with the Crimson Tide is coming to an end.
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He isn't the only contributor Alabama has lost, either. After two years in Tuscaloosa, forward Aiden Sherrell hit the transfer portal. His decision comes after putting together his most productive season at the collegiate level.
In 34 starts, he averaged 11.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. He also shot 53.9% from the field and 33.8% from the three-point line. He posted career highs in all three averages.
Any chance of a return to the Crimson Tide was crushed after Sherrell revealed via a joint Instagram post that he has committed to the Indiana Hoosiers.
While it's a disappointing outcome for Alabama, Philon showed support for his former teammate, commenting "❤️❤️" under the post.
Sherrell joins a struggling Hoosiers team that went just 18-14 under first-year head coach Darian DeVries. However, Indiana's transfer portal class currently ranks first in the nation with six commitments.
Meanwhile, Philon prepares for the next step in his basketball career. ESPN ranks him as the No. 7 guard and No. 16 player set to be available in the draft. The first round of the draft will begin June 23 at 8 p.m. ET.
