Alabama Faces Final Non-Conference Test vs. Yale Without Star Guard Labaron Philon
Alabama basketball is heading into its final non-conference matchup of the regular season missing a major piece of its offensive engine. Sophomore standout Labaron Philon will sit out tonight’s game against Ivy League frontrunner Yale due to a minor thigh/groin injury.
The news, first reported by Jeff Goodman, comes just days before Alabama opens SEC play with a high-stakes home game against Kentucky. Head coach Nate Oats is optimistic that Philon will be ready to go by then, but for now, the Crimson Tide will have to navigate a tricky test without their top scorer and floor general.
And make no mistake - Philon has been the guy for Alabama this season. He’s averaging 21.9 points and 5.6 assists per game, shooting a blistering 55% from the field and 42% from deep. After initially entering the 2025 NBA Draft, Philon’s decision to return to Tuscaloosa was a game-changer, and his play has backed that up every step of the way.
His absence tonight, though, adds another chapter to what’s been a frustrating run of injuries for the Crimson Tide. Outside of Aiden Sherrell, Houston Mallette, and Noah Williamson, no player on Alabama’s roster has managed to suit up for every game this season. It’s been a revolving door of lineups, and now Oats will have to make another adjustment on short notice.
Aden Holloway Steps Into the Spotlight
With Philon sidelined, junior guard Aden Holloway will take center stage - and he’s more than capable of rising to the occasion.
Holloway has been Alabama’s second-leading scorer this season, putting up 16.7 points per game while shooting an efficient 47% from the floor and 43% from beyond the arc. He’s also second on the team in assists at 3.7 per game, trailing only Philon in that category. Expect the ball to be in his hands early and often tonight, both as a scorer and a facilitator.
But Holloway won’t be the only one asked to step up.
Miami transfer Jalil Bethea could see an expanded role, especially with Philon out. Bethea’s minutes have been inconsistent since returning from a preseason injury, but this matchup could be a chance for him to find his rhythm and carve out a more defined spot in the rotation.
Senior Latrell Wrightsell and freshman Amari Allen are also likely to get more on-ball reps, helping initiate the Tide’s offense and keep the tempo where Oats wants it - fast, aggressive, and efficient.
Crimson Tide Still Have the Tools to Handle Yale
Even without Philon, Alabama has the firepower to handle business against a gritty Yale squad. The Bulldogs may be Ivy League favorites, but Alabama’s depth and offensive versatility should give them the edge - especially if Holloway continues his strong form and the supporting cast delivers.
Still, the bigger picture looms large. With SEC play tipping off in just a few days, the priority is getting Philon back to full strength.
The good news? The injury is considered minor, and his absence tonight appears to be more about caution than concern.
For now, Alabama’s focus shifts to finishing non-conference play strong. And if Holloway and company can hold it down in Philon’s absence, the Tide could be in an even better position when their star guard returns - just in time for the SEC gauntlet to begin.