SEC Report Details Philon's Injury Status for Alabama vs UK Game

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Injury Updates for Alabama Basketball Ahead of Key Matchup Against Kentucky

As the Southeastern Conference (SEC) season begins, pregame availability reports have been released, offering health updates for Alabama basketball players just before and on the day of their games. With no press conference scheduled ahead of the Crimson Tide's conference opener against the Wildcats, head coach Nate Oats did not provide direct updates on the status of players like Labaron Philon (leg), London Jemison (knee), and Davion Hannah (medical condition). However, the team was required to submit injury reports to the league office by the evening of Friday, Jan. 2, and several names were listed as being under observation.

Key Players and Their Status

According to the SEC availability report, Labaron Philon and London Jemison are listed as probable, while Davion Hannah remains questionable. Additionally, two new players—Taylor Bol Bowen and Latrell Wrightsell Jr.—were added to the injury report. Wrightsell was listed as probable, while Bol Bowen, an incoming transfer from Florida State University (FSU), is considered questionable. The specific injuries affecting Wrightsell and Bol Bowen have not been disclosed. However, Wrightsell has dealt with ongoing issues throughout Alabama’s nonconference schedule, including a previous Achilles tear that ended his 2024-25 season. He has also experienced minor finger injuries and leg cramps since returning. Moments before tip-off against UTSA, Bol Bowen was scratched from the starting lineup due to back spasms.

A final availability report is expected to be released in the hours leading up to Alabama’s game against Kentucky on Saturday, Jan. 3, at Coleman Coliseum.

Labaron Philon’s Recent Absence

Philon, who averages 21.6 points per game, is one of the nation’s top scorers, also contributing 3.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists through 12 appearances. He missed only one game during Alabama’s nonconference schedule. Philon sat out the finale against Yale due to a "thigh/groin" injury, as reported by Field of 68 reporter Jeff Goodman. After Alabama’s win over the Bulldogs on Dec. 29, Coach Oats mentioned that Philon sustained a "contusion" to the leg following a "collision" against Kennesaw State.

Game Details and Broadcast Information

Alabama is set to face the Wildcats at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, Jan. 3. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and can be streamed via Fubo, Sling, and ESPN+.

Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@usatodayco.com.