Labaron Philon had declared for the 2025 NBA draft, but withdrew from the draft and returned to the University of Alabama for the 2025-26 season.
His parents, Alicia Robinson and Labarron Philon Sr., played a significant role in shaping his basketball journey, which propelled him to success.
Highlights
- Labarron Philon Sr. signed Labaron up for basketball at the age of 7, and his foundational knowledge helped shape the player’s work ethic.
- Alicia Robinson called Labaron her rainbow baby, and she is amazed at his natural talent on the basketball court.
- Labaron’s fiercest early competition at their driveway court with his brother and cousins forged his resilience.
Labaron was a two-time recipient of the Class 7A Player of the Year award at Baker High School and was named the Alabama Mr. Basketball as a junior.
Later, he transferred to Link Academy for his senior year and helped them rank in the top 10 with an appearance in the national semifinals.
Labaron initially committed to play college basketball for Auburn and Kansas, but committed to Alabama on April 28, 2024.
As a freshman in the 2024-25 season, he impressed Alabama, averaging 12.1 points on 51.4% shooting in his first 16 games.
He decided to end his collegiate career and declared for the 2025 NBA draft. However, he returned to Alabama for the 2025-26 season.
Oh wow. Shocking news here: Labaron Philon is RETURNING for his sophomore season. The 6-4 guard averaged 10.6 ppg and 3.8 apg. He has a shot to be one of the top breakout stars in the sport. He’ll have the ball in his hands often in an elite offensive system.
Sean Paul
Philon indicated he was 100% set on going pro. Seems there’s been a late change of heart.
Labaron Philon’s Parents Fueled His Basketball Dreams
Labaron Philon, the middle child of Alicia Robinson and Labarron Philon Sr., was born on November 24, 2005, in Mobile, Alabama.
His parents didn’t pursue professional athletics, but their constant belief in his potential and their hands-on involvement laid the groundwork for his success.
Labarron Sr. had signed him up for basketball at 7, and Alicia knew that he was already better than the other kids.
Alicia often refers to Labaron as her rainbow baby, a term for a child born after a loss, symbolizing hope and joy. She is amazed at his natural ability on the court.
I would watch him just do amazing things on the court and we would just be like ‘Where does he get this stuff from?’ Because I didn’t play ball. His dad played a little ball growing up and in high school. It’s not like he just comes from this family of basketball players. Like he’s just that special one, it was just in him.
Alicia Robinson
Labarron Philon Sr. had casual basketball experience from his youth, providing early mentorship. He played a pivotal role in shaping his son’s basketball journey.
Though he wasn’t a star athlete himself, his foundational knowledge and tough-love approach helped mold Labaron’s work ethic.
Labaron excelled in football and basketball, and his father advised him to choose one sport in his ninth-grade year. Later, he committed fully to basketball, dedicating himself to refining his skills.
Labarron Sr. didn’t just offer advice. He was actively involved, from participating in driveway drills to attending games and offering constructive criticism.
On the other hand, Alicia provided the emotional backbone. Her constant belief in her son’s potential kept him grounded yet motivated.
Her presence was a constant source of strength, whether it was celebrating his victories or offering comfort after tough losses.
Labaron Philon’s Competitive Upbringing Forged In Family Battles
Labaron Philon’s journey began on a humble driveway court before the bright lights of college basketball and the dream of the NBA. His opponents were his older brother, Corey, and his cousins.
These early games against older and stronger competition shaped him into the elite guard he is today.
Labaron’s most intense matchups happened at home.
He regularly faced off against 14-year-olds when he was only 10, refusing to back down despite the size and strength disadvantage.
Those driveway games were about toughness, creativity, and resilience. His brother and cousins didn’t take it easy on him, and every game was a battle.
If Labaron wanted to win, he had to outthink and outwork his older competitors. Those sessions sharpened his instincts and molded him into a dominant playmaker.
My dad used to get out there too and he was really good. It was challenging. I was the youngest player and sometimes I had to get on the court. But when I got on the court I just tried to make the best of it. That’s where most of my competitiveness comes from.
Labaron Philon
Labaron’s love for basketball started early, and he was already dribbling a ball by kindergarten.
He set his sights on the NBA, inspired by Michael Jordan’s dominance and Stephen Curry’s shooting brilliance.
He evolved from a determined kid in his driveway to one of the most promising guards in the country. His competitive upbringing gave him an edge, an unshakable confidence, and a relentless work ethic.
Additional Information
- On3 had ranked him the fifth-best point guard, and ESPN ranked him the 32nd-best recruit nationally.
- He played 12 games in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) and averaged 11.7 points and 4.3 assists.
- He stands 1.93m tall and weighs about 80kg.
