Alabama ahead Grant Nelson introduced Monday that he’ll return for his ultimate season of eligibility, locking in a key piece for the Tide subsequent season. Nelson was an each sport starter final season, averaging 11.9 factors, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per sport whereas serving to the staff to its first Closing 4 berth in class historical past.
Nelson, who entered the 2023 NBA Draft course of, was a candidate to enter once more this yr, significantly after a formidable NCAA Event run that included a 24-point, 12-rebound effort within the Candy 16 in opposition to North Carolina and 19 factors and 15 rebounds in opposition to eventual champion UConn within the Closing 4. Now, Nelson returns as a foundational piece to a roster that may have maybe the best preseason expectations in class historical past with the No. 2 general recruiting class (highschool and transfers) nationally, in accordance with 247Sports.
The 6 toes 11, 230-pound Nelson transferred from North Dakota State final June. He took time adjusting to the heightened competitors however rounded into kind. With a season of expertise and an upcoming full offseason in this system, Nelson is primed to take a big step. If Alabama provides a coveted massive man by the switch portal, it might enable Nelson to play his extra pure energy ahead place. Two names to observe are Clifford Omoruyi (Rutgers) and Ugonna Onyenso (Kentucky).
Nelson is one in all 4 confirmed gamers coming back from final season, becoming a member of guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. and forwards Mohamed Dioubate and Jarin Stevenson.
Guard Mark Sears goes by the NBA Draft course of with the choice to return to Alabama. A choice doesn’t should be made till Could 29.
A have a look at Alabama’s 2024-25 projected scholarship distribution
*But to formally announce return
Returning guards: Mark Sears*, Latrell Wrightsell Jr.
Incoming guards: Aden Holloway (Auburn), Houston Mallette (Pepperdine), Labaron Philon (four-star recruit), Chris Youngblood (South Florida)
Returning forwards: Grant Nelson, Mohamed Dioubate, Jarin Stevenson
Incoming forwards: Derrion Reid (four-star recruit), Naas Cunningham (four-star recruit)
Incoming facilities: Aiden Sherrell (four-star recruit)
(Photograph: Kirby Lee / USA At the moment)
