Why I'm buying stock in Labaron Philon
Labaron Philon jumped 22 spots, to No. 34, in the recent 2024 On3 150 ranking update.
Long gone are the days of the traditional point guard. The shift in the game has become more fluid in positioning. Instead of players defined by specific positions, point guard, shooting guard, small forward, etc., they are talked about as guards, forwards, and bigs. The main objective of today’s primary initiator is to be dynamic.
A player who can put consistent pressure at the point of attack on both ends of the floor is the most successful point guard in today’s game. Players who can shoot with range add an even more dynamic threat to the position. Touching the paint, making a play, and guarding the ball. A modern point guard is still tasked with taking care of the ball and keeping things flowing and players engaged. But the skill sets have morphed.
Labaron Philon
Labaron Philon is an interesting case. This high school season, the 6-foot-4 guard is averaging 36.6 points. For his two-and-a-half-year high school career, the Mobile (AL) Baker High junior has scored 1,991 points. Many of the conversations, maybe questions is a more accurate word, you hear about Philon revolve around the level of competition he plays.
Philon has an excellent frame, one you can project taking well to a college strength and conditioning program. He is quick off the bounce with an electric first step. While he will need to continue adding weight, as most 17-year-olds do, he has great length to pair with his burst.
Philon played with the Nightrydas program on Nike’s EYBL 16u Circuit this summer. He averaged 3.4 assists and 1.4 steals during Peach Jam as the primary initiator, leading his team to the quarterfinals of the championship bracket. He had a 48.1 effective shooting percentage and finished 66.7 percent at the rim.
Philon showcased a crafty handle that got him into the paint often. He played under control and on balance showing decision-making upside. The four-star efficiently ran his team while maintaining his threat to score the ball.
The totality of Philon’s game is where the intrigue lies. He has put together absurdly productive numbers in high school. He also showed he could win at a high level, leading his travel team on a run during Peach Jam. There is a clear upside here, with his frame and athleticism. Add in the production under multiple settings, in different roles, and the intrigue of Labaron Philon is clear.
Philon’s recruitment
Labaron Philon announced earlier this week he is down to six schools: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Kansas, Ole Miss, and Tennessee. Philon has taken one official visit to Auburn and has been to Alabama unofficially.