Alabama big man Grant Nelson announced via social media that he will be using his free time during the COVID-19 pandemic to return to Tuscaloosa for his fifth and final season.
Grant Nelson's return announcement video (via his Instagram): pic.twitter.com/9kDkeN3d74
— Blake Byler (@blakebyler45) April 29, 2024
There was some doubt that Nelson would enter the NBA Draft, but momentum in recent weeks has been pointing toward a return.
After the deadline for draft prospects expired on Saturday night, Tide fans eagerly awaited an announcement that Nelson would return, and on Monday afternoon, he finally officially announced his return.
On the season, he averaged just under 12 points, six rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.
Nelson struggled a bit at first in his SEC games as he adjusted to mid-major to Power Five college basketball, but he got better as the season went on and produced some big moments, especially in the NCAA Tournament.
His best game in an Alabama uniform came when the team needed him most, against North Carolina in the Sweet Sixteen, when he recorded 24 points and 12 rebounds, including a big game-winning shot late in the game.
🏀Grant Nelson defeats #1 seed UNC 😳
Remember the name#Rolltide pic.twitter.com/pqqCt5hBco
— Rampant (@RampantSport) March 29, 2024
Though the Tide lost the game, Nelson had one of his best plays of the season in the Final Four, dunking over Connecticut big man Donovan Clingan.
Grant Nelson dunks over Donovan Clingan pic.twitter.com/JgDnxSwhq3
— Nick Kelly (@_NickKelly) April 7, 2024
Nelson is the second senior to announce his return from the Final Four roster, joining Latrell Lightsell Jr. with Mark Sears also due to return.
Sears entered the NBA draft pool with his eligibility intact and can still choose to return.
Nelson's news comes on the heels of Alabama acquiring Mobile native LaBaron Philon, along with other reinforcements in the portal, and the team is still looking to acquire a rim-protecting big man to solve one of its biggest issues from last season.
If Nelson can slot in at the power forward position and they can get a true center at the No. 5 through the transfer portal, Alabama has a chance to be one of the best teams in the country in 2024-25 and maybe even compete for its first national championship.
Michael Browner is a senior sports analyst and contributor to Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on Twitter. translation:
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