Four-Star CG Labaron Philon, former Auburn commit, still considering Tigers; talks new programs involved
Mobile (Ala.) Baker four-star combo guard Labaron Philon made an early pledge to the in-state Auburn Tigers in February. A couple of months later, the 6-foot-3 rising senior reevaluated that decision and decided to reopen his recruitment. He discussed that choice with On3 and says he will continue to keep Auburn in consideration moving forward.
“Just talking to my family, we had a discussion about what we we’re going to do,” Philon said. “We are going to keep Auburn as one of our top choices. Auburn was a great feeling. The campus is great, the coaches are great, the community is great. It’s a great place to be.”
Since his de-commitment from the Tigers in April, several programs have gotten involved with the No. 34 overall player in the 2024 On3 Industry Rankings.
Labaron Philon talks new programs involved
Philon says Ole Miss, Houston, Alabama, and several others are prioritizing the guard from down south.
Fellow SEC program Ole Miss is thought of to be a real threat for Philon, as former Auburn assistant coach Wes Flanigan recruited the four-star guard to the Plains. Flanigan is now on staff at Ole Miss alongside Chris Beard.
“(Flanigan) has recruited me since I was in the 9th or 10th grade,” Philon said. “He’s a good a guy. He’s never told me any lies. He kept it real every time we talked. We talk about things outside of basketball and building that relationship with him is very special. He left (Auburn) and went to Ole Miss with Chris Beard, who is a good coach. I’ve talked to coach Beard a lot. He feels like he has the tools to help me become a pro. I think I will visit Ole Miss but I don’t have a date yet. I’ll see them at some point.”
Alabama, who was strongly involved the first go-around, is in the mix once again.
“The new staff, the couple of guys coach Oats has hired, they hit me up. They want to build a relationship with me. Coach Oats has been doing a good job building a great team. Everyone that has came out of there in the last couple of years has been pretty good.”
Despite being recruited by a handful of SEC programs that are close to home, Philon says his recruitment is not limited to just the in-state schools.
“There is also a lot of out of state schools that I’m considering that also have great coaches. Coaches that can help me get to where I need to be.”
For example, Houston is one of the schools a little bit farther away from home but the ‘Cougs are making a push.
“Coach Sampson is a great coach and he lets his guards play. That’s a system that we will have to take a look at.”
Philon says he plans to make a decision around EYBL’s Peach Jam, which begins the first week of July. He is currently averaging 12.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game for Team Thad.
Scouting Report
“Labaron Philon is a quick on quick lead guard. He has long arms and a projectable frame with wide shoulders. Philon has a quick handle that gets him into the paint. He can knock down a jump shot with three-point range and consistency. There is a confidence and a competitiveness with Philon. He needs to add strength as he has a slight frame. There is upside on the defensive end; he can move his feet guarding the ball and is quick to get into the passing lanes. There is a natural smoothness he has on the ball with an upside to continue getting better.”