Nate Oats isn't slowing down after leading Alabama to its first-ever Final Four appearance.

Oats' best qualities as a leader for the team may be off the court, both in recruiting high school players and transfer students, and he's used those qualities to lead Alabama to its best showing ever, accumulating the No. 2 class in the nation.

This class was already one of the best in the country, but Coach Oats took it to the next level by adding guard LaBaron Philon, a player from Mobile, Alabama, who was ranked 33rd overall in the country.

Philon had committed to Auburn University two years ago, then transferred from Baker High School in Mobile to Link Academy in Missouri before committing to the University of Kansas and signing to play for the Jayhawks.

But last week, he requested to release his National Letter of Intent (NLI) to Kansas, leading many to doubt Alabama would get another chance to acquire the elite guard.

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Following the weekend visit, Philon became the fourth high school freshman from Oats' best class in history to commit to the University of Alabama.

Before transferring from Baker, Philon was the best high school player in the state of Alabama, having been named Player of the Year by both MaxPreps and Gatorade, as well as winning Mr. Basketball and Class 7A Player of the Year.

He scored more than 2,300 points during his time at Baker High School before transferring for his senior year.

Philon will join a class led by Derrion Reed (15th overall), Aiden Sherrell (30th overall) and Nurse Cunningham (43rd overall).

He will also join a very well-stocked frontcourt that includes Auburn University transfer Aiden Holloway, returning Latrell Lightsell Jr., transfers Chris Youngblood and Houston Mallett and likely returning Mark Sears.

Alabama is putting together arguably its best roster ever under coach Nate Oats, and the team is looking ahead to a Final Four appearance and what could be a very special 2024-25 season.

Michael Browner is a senior sports analyst and contributor to Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on Twitter. translation: