Grant Nelson to use final year of eligibility, return to Alabama basketball

Alabama’s 2024-25 roster will have another major starter back. Grant Nelson announced on his Instagram Monday afternoon that he plans to use his fifth and final year of eligibility in Tuscaloosa.

It’s the second year in a row Nelson contemplated a future in the NBA Draft but ultimately didn’t keep his name in the pool of eligible players; he rescinded his name last spring before transferring to Nate Oats and the Tide; The deadline for this year’s draft passed on April 28.

A 6-foot-11 forward, Nelson posted 11.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.6 blocks per game — he led Alabama in rebounds and blocks. He battled a leg injury in December and struggled through foul trouble consistently. But the lottery-pick potential that coaches saw in Nelso manifested sporadically like a 20-point outing at Georiga or 22 points, eight rebounds and six blocks against Florida.

Most notably, Nelson turned around an NCAA Tournament slump with a historic showing against North Carolina in the Sweet 16. He scored 24 points, including eight in a row late to upset the Tar Heels and propelled the Tide to its first Final Four in school history. Nelson, who was named to the All-Region team, followed up with 19 against eventual champion UConn.

Alabama now has two pieces of its healthy, late-season starting lineup back: Nelson and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. Aaron Estrada graduated and Rylan Griffen transferred to Kansas, leaving UA to wait for Mark Sears’ decision. UA’s frontcourt depth has taken a hit since the season ended with backup Nick Pringle transferring back home to South Carolina and Mohamed Wague departing after one season.

Oats added three pieces via the transfer portal, all guards, and doesn’t appear to be done looking for more talent. The Tide hosted Rutgers transfer Clifford Omoruyi on Monday. Incoming four-star freshman Aiden Sherrell is also listed at 6-foot-10.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at NAlvarez@al.com.