Nate Oats questions Labaron Philon’s cramping issue in Alabama’s loss to Vanderbilt
By Luke Greco
Published:
Labaron Philon left Alabama‘s Wednesday game against Vanderbilt with full-body cramps, and head coach Nate Oats wondered how Philon could be cramping after playing such a short time.
The Crimson Tide were down 46-47 with just over 16 minutes left in the second half. At this point, Philon had played 20 minutes and had to sub out of the game with full-body cramps. Philon averages 28 minutes per game, so his total minutes wasn’t near his average.
In the postgame presser, Oats questioned how Philon could be getting full-body cramps after playing so little.
“Played 19 minutes, and he had to go back and get an IV and couldn’t play,” Oats said. “I don’t know why he’s getting full-body cramps with only playing 19 minutes, but that’s what he had going.”
Playing 20 minutes for Alabama is much different than playing 20 minutes for many other college basketball programs. Alabama is currently ranked 9th in possessions per game, and the run-and-gun style is a huge part of Oats’ coaching philosophy.
Philon is currently the leading scorer and assister for the Crimson Tide and has been a huge reason for their success so far this season. Losing him was a huge blow and a big part of why they lost to the Commodores 96-90.
