Three Alabama Players Invited to 2025 NBA Draft Combine
Three Alabama Crimson Tide basketball players—Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, and Labaron Philon—have been invited to participate in the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, set to take place from May 11–18 at Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago. This annual event serves as a pivotal platform for draft prospects to showcase their skills in front of NBA scouts and executives. The 2025 combine will feature 75 players, with select standouts from the G League Elite Camp also receiving invitations .(SI, Zagsblog)
Mark Sears, a guard for Alabama, has been a cornerstone of the team’s offense. In the 2024–25 season, he led the Crimson Tide with averages of 18.6 points and 5.1 assists per game. His performance earned him consensus First Team All-American honors, making him the first player in Alabama’s history to receive such recognition. Sears was also a finalist for the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year award and a semifinalist for the Naismith Trophy, underscoring his elite status in college basketball. With his combination of scoring ability and playmaking, Sears is poised to make a significant impact at the combine and in the upcoming NBA Draft.(SI)
Grant Nelson, a forward for Alabama, has been a key contributor throughout the season. Despite dealing with injuries, he played in all 37 games, averaging 11.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. His versatility and defensive capabilities have drawn the attention of NBA scouts. Alabama head coach Nate Oats has praised Nelson as a “skilled big that NBA teams want,” highlighting his potential to secure a two-way contract at the next level. Nelson’s performance at the combine will be crucial in determining his draft prospects.(SI)
Labaron Philon, a freshman guard for Alabama, declared for the 2025 NBA Draft on April 15. His debut season was impressive, averaging 10.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and a team-best 1.3 steals per game. Philon’s dynamic playmaking and scoring ability earned him three SEC Freshman of the Week honors. Analysts have projected him as a potential one-and-done player, and his inclusion in many mock drafts reflects his rising stock. Philon’s performance at the combine will be pivotal in solidifying his position in the draft.(SI)
The NBA Draft Combine is a critical event for draft prospects, providing them with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in various drills and interviews. For Sears, Nelson, and Philon, the combine represents a chance to impress NBA teams and improve their draft positions. Their performances in Chicago will play a significant role in shaping their professional basketball futures.(SI)
The invitations extended to Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, and Labaron Philon highlight the Alabama Crimson Tide’s strong presence in the 2025 NBA Draft. Each player brings unique skills and potential to the table, and their performances at the combine will be closely watched by NBA scouts and executives. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on these Alabama standouts to see how they fare in the competitive landscape of professional basketball.(SI)
