Philon’s Philadelphia Voyage: Tide Turns Pro
Labaron Philon Jr., after two seasons under Coach Nate Oats at Alabama, was picked 22nd overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2026 NBA Draft, marking the first Alabama draftee since 2023. Philon praised Oats’s leadership, crediting his coaches, teammates and even the janitorial staff for fostering an environment of trust and growth. Under Oats’s seven-year tenure, Alabama has reached the Sweet 16 five times, the Elite Eight twice and made its first Final Four appearance—comparatively eclipsing the program’s prior 35-year history. Oats, now Alabama’s third-most prolific NBA pick producer, recently inked a six-year, $43.5 million extension—making him the fourth-highest paid coach in men’s college basketball—and further solidified assistant Preston Murphy with a two-year deal at nearly $1 million per season.
Fans can rest easy knowing that Alabama’s basketball success remains in the hands of high-priced geniuses. Who needs modesty when you’ve got a coach earning more than some CEOs? Surely, the janitor now sweeps the floor with the same championship aspirations as Philon. Next up: selling pylon-shaped bobbleheads and inflatable SEC trophies to cover that $15 million buyout if he ever bolts for a “bigger program.” Roll Tide or roll out the red carpet for every draft night!
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