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Alabama Guard Labaron Philon Jr. Drafted in First Round of 2026 NBA Draft
Philon’s scoring jump and All-SEC honors helped lift him into the first round after he returned to Alabama for two seasons.
- On Tuesday, the Philadelphia 76ers selected Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. with the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center in New York City.
- After withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft, Philon returned to Alabama and significantly increased his scoring average from 10.6 to 22.0 points per game while improving his 3-point shooting from 31% to nearly 40%.
- Philadelphia Head of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey made this his first draft selection, with scouts observing Philon ranked in the 94th percentile as a pick-and-roll handler during his sophomore season.
- Joining All-Star Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, Philon will provide an offensive boost off the bench for the 2026-27 season, adding athleticism and shotmaking to the Sixers' backcourt.
- Under Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats, Philon becomes the fifth first-round pick, marking Alabama's first first-rounder since 2023. "Being a kid from Mobile, wearing the Script A on my chest means everything to me," Philon said.
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First-round pick Labaron Philon Jr. brings ball-handling, shooting ability, and playmaking to the Sixers
Philon, a two-year standout at Alabama, has a crafty handle and can finish at the rim. His ball-handling will be especially helpful for Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe in the backcourt.
·Philadelphia, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left6Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Left
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Left
55% Left
L 55%
C 45%
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