Grant Nelson, Nate Oats discuss forward's future after Final Four
GLENDALE, Ariz. – For the second time in the NCAA Tournament, Grant Nelson recorded a double-double against a formidable foe in the post. But this time, the Alabama forward and the rest of the Crimson Tide fell short, losing to UConn in the Final Four, 86-72.
Nelson contributed 19 points and a game-high 15 rebounds in 31 minutes despite dealing with early foul trouble. After the loss, he reflected on Alabama’s season, as well as the future.
“Great group,” Nelson said. “I feel like we all loved each other. 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.”
Nelson played in and started all 37 of the Crimson Tide’s games this season and averaged 11.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting 49.1 percent from the field. In the postseason, he picked up his play, turning in his performance against the Huskies as well as an impressive Sweet 16 showing against North Carolina (24 points, 12 rebounds, 5 blocks).
After three seasons at North Dakota State and one at Alabama, Nelson is a senior, but he has an extra year of eligibility due to the 2020 pandemic. While he mentioned next season, he didn’t say he would officially return to Tuscaloosa for the 2024-25 campaign. It remains a possibility, however, and it will be something he and head coach Nate Oats discuss soon.
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“I’m sure his draft stock has risen in the tournament, particularly how he played against Carolina, where he had 24-12-5,” Oats said. “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.
“This one, 19 and 15, his stock has risen. We’re going to have to sit down and evaluate how much it’s risen, will he get drafted, where will he get drafted.”
Oats continued, “I’d love to have him back, I know that. I always said you do what’s right by the player, by the person. If he’s got a great situation, makes most sense for him not to come back, I’m all for it.
“Noah Clowney, nobody thought he’d be gone after one year and ends up going 21st from the draft last year. If Grant’s stock rose enough to where it makes sense he leaves, I’ll be the happiest guy in the world for him. If he needs another year of college, I’ll welcome him back with open arms. I’d love to welcome him back for another year.
“We’ll have to figure that out in the next month or two, however long it takes to figure that out.”
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