​Alabama Crimson Tide guard Labaron Philon Jr. (0) looks on after a Sweet Sixteen game of the Midwest Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Michigan Wolverines at United Center. | Source: Lastwordonsports.com – Daniel Benjamin, EditorAlabama basketball faces a major offensive problem with the loss of Labaron Philon Jr. Despite testing the NBA waters his freshman year, Philon Jr. decided to return to Alabama. In his sophomore year, Philon took a massive step in his game, becoming more than just a good defender and decent scorer. Last season, he averaged 22 points and 5 assists per game while shooting 39% from three. He was serving as the team’s number-one option on offense. With him now in the NBA, the Crimson Tide will need to look for someone to fill his shoes.Amari Allen’s Bigger Role in Alabama BasketballAmari Allen finds himself in a situation similar to Philon’s. Allen also tested NBA waters this past cycle. The pair also share similar numbers after their first year. Allen had a solid freshman campaign, averaging 11.4 ppg, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. The potential is there for him to grow offensively.Allen can serve as a reliable three-point shooter for Alabama this year. In the 2025-26 season, he averaged around 4 threes a game, shooting at 34.1%. This number does not scream elite shooting, but he has extremely fluid, smooth mechanics that can make him a deadly three-point shooter this year. This season, Allen will have more opportunities not only to score but also to create his own scoring chances. Allen also earned All-Freshman honors in the SEC last season.Alabama Crimson Tide forward Amari Allen (5) dunks in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines during a Sweet Sixteen game of the Midwest Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center. Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images via Reuters ConnectThe sophomore forward possesses a great feel for the game, making him an elite point-forward. Allen can serve as an effective secondary creator, allowing him to use his great feel for the game. His high IQ allows him to see the floor well, helping him keep the ball moving on offense and make smart reads off the pick-and-roll. All of these intangibles will cause the defense to rotate at a high rate, creating more scoring opportunities for Alabama basketball.Allen is more effective in the half-court than in transition. His on-ball ability is still developing as he continues to make strides toward becoming more of a threat on offense.In his freshman year, he was a lockdown defender who faced the toughest on this side of the floor. Allen has a tremendous frame that allows him to guard multiple positions. He is most effective as a help defender rather than on the ball. The now-sophomore crashes the boards hard on both sides. His high-energy playstyle allows him to create and convert on second-chance scoring opportunities. The potential is there for Allen to become the next star at Alabama.C