By SAM LANCE
GLENDALE, Ariz — Out of all of the players in March Madness, Alabama senior forward Grant Nelson may have upped his draft stock the most. The transfer from North Dakota State averaged 11.4 points and 7.2 rebounds over five games while shooting 44% from the floor and 33% from 3-point range to lead Alabama to the Final Four. The No. 4-seeded Crimson Tide eventually fell short to No. 1 UConn, 86-72, in the national semifinal on Saturday night.
Nelson tested the waters during last year’s NBA draft process while maintaining his college eligibility and entering the transfer portal. Ultimately, he chose to come back to school and play for coach Nate Oats and Alabama. Once again, its seems Nelson may be leaning in that direction.
“Great group,” Nelson said when reflecting on the season. “I mean, 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 has played four seasons of college basketball, three at North Dakota State and one at Alabama. But with the COVID-extended eligibility season, Nelson could come back to college basketball next year. Still, Oats will have to evaluate what’s best for him.
“I’m sure his draft stock has risen in the tournament, particularly how he played against, was it 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 [UConn], 19 and 15, his stock has risen.”
Nelson does not appear on CBS’ latest 2024 NBA first round mock draft, NBA.com’s latest two-round mock, or ESPN’s latest two-round mock draft.
“I’d love to have him back, I know that,” Oats said. “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.”
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