Alabama forward Grant Nelson announces return for 2024-2025 season

Alabama forward Grant Nelson is choosing to return to the Crimson Tide for the 2024-2025 campaign, utilizing his additional year of eligibility.

Last season, Nelson averaged 11.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game for the Crimson Tide. He was particularly important during Alabama’s run to the Final Four, where the program fell to the eventual champions in the Connecticut Huskies.

After that loss, Nelson spoke about the motivation it would provide for him in the future, dropping a hint that he would return for the 2024-2025 campaign.

“Great group. I mean, I feel like we all loved each other,” Nelson said. “It was tough seeing guys like Aaron Estrada play their last basketball game. We just told each other we made history. Didn’t end the way we wanted it to.

“We can’t hang our heads on this season. We have to use this game as motivation going into the next year.”

Now, Nelson and company will get the chance to continue what they started during their run last season. The Crimson Tide were one of the surprises last season, but they’ll certainly have a target on their back next time around.

Moreover, Alabama coach Nate Oats was originally unsure whether Nelson would come back to Alabama for another season. He recognizes Nelson’s stock soared following the NCAA Tournament, and that put his future in question.

“I’m sure his draft stock has risen in the tournament,” said Oats. “Particularly, how he played against — was it Carolina where he had 24-12-5. He’s one of the four players in the history of the tournament to do that against a single-digit seed. I think it was him, Shaq, Tim Duncan and Channing Frye.”

With Grant Nelson and a bevy of other talented players, the Crimson Tide are bound to be a popular pick throughout the season. Alabama will be hoping to at least make another Final Four as Nelson returns for another go-round.