This week was the perfect time for the former Alabama basketball star Labaron Philon to announce a personal move.
One of the NBAâs newest young stars was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the No. 22 pick in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.
On the same week was selected by the Sixers, Philon was announced as one of the newest members of the PUMA crew.
Philadelphia 76ersâ Labaron Philon Makes Personal Announcement
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 27: Labaron Philon #0 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is defended by Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
On Thursday, June 25, Pumaâs official X account posted a photo of Philon not long before he met with local media in Camden, New Jersey, to take on questions from reporters.
ESPNâs Nick DePaula shared a quote from the official announcement:
âIâve always stayed true to my grind and who I am, and PUMA saw that from the start,â says Philon. âIâm excited to keep building and show what I can do at the next level.”
PUMA is the home to some of the NBAâs youngest stars. Notable names like LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Haliburton, and Josh Giddey, are a part of the team from the NBA side. On the womenâs side, popular names like Breanna Stewart, Skylar Diggins, Jackie Young, and Flauâjae Johnson, rep the company as well.
Labaron Philonâs Journey To The Sixers
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 27: Labaron Philon #0 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after the 90-77 loss against the Michigan Wolverines in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
After attending high school in Branson, Missouri, Philon committed to Alabama for college as a four-star recruit.
Philon played two seasons at Alabama. In his freshman effort, Philon shot 45.2% from the field to average 10.6 points per game. He also produced 3.8 assists per game and came down with 3.3 rebounds per outing.
During his second season with the Crimson Tide, Philon started all but one of the 33 games he played. Seeing the court for 30.9 minutes per game, the sophomore produced averages of 22.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game.
After withdrawing from the 2025 NBA Draft pool, Philon drove up his draft value for the 2026 event. The Sixers made the Alabama standout the first selection of the Mike Gansey era. Heâs the first new player to join the roster for the 2026-2027 campaign.
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