Labaron Philon Jr., a standout guard from the University of Alabama, heard his name called 22nd overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, marking the first Crimson Tide selection since 2023.
Philon credited his coach, Nate Oats, and assistant Preston Murphy for the development that made the draft projection possible, highlighting the supportive environment cultivated at Alabama.
Oats' Ascendancy and Program Revival
Under Oats, Alabama has surged from a perennial mid‑major to a national contender, reaching the Sweet 16 five times, the Elite Eight twice and the Final Four once in his tenure.
The coach’s impact is reflected in the draft pipeline, with Philon becoming the fifth first‑round pick he has produced, trailing only legends Wimp Sanderson and C.M. Newton in total selections.
Oats recently signed a six‑year contract extension that runs through the 2031‑32 season, averaging $7.25 million per year and positioning him as the fourth‑highest paid college basketball coach in the country.
His assistant, Preston Murphy, was also rewarded with a two‑year extension through April 30, 2028, securing a $950,000 annual salary for his contributions to player development.
The new financial commitments signal a long‑term vision for the program, aiming to sustain competitiveness and attract top talent while maintaining a strong presence in the SEC.