Making the Case for Arkansas with Grant Nelson

What reasons should the athletic forward consider when deciding to be a Razorback over Alabama

Author:
Kent Smith
Publish date:
Jun 10, 2023 9:35 AM EDT

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Sometime this weekend a decision is expected to be made that is going to change the face of the SEC race next season.

North Dakota State's Grant Nelson opted out of the NBA Draft, narrowed his list to Arkansas and Alabama, and reportedly visited both earlier this week. So with the decision weighing on the 6-foot-11 athletic forward, what are the pros for for choosing the Razorbacks?

Two of the biggest have to do with fellow forward Trevon Brazile. If part of Nelson's goal is to win a national championship, then the idea of having twin towers on the floor who block shots like old school centers, yet handle the ball like athletic guards and can also shoot the three is not only intriguing, it's downright scary. It would almost seem unfair, especially with a highly seasoned Davonte Davis directing traffic.

The second half of that equation is the idea that iron sharpens iron, and no one would like to go head-to-head each day more than Brazile. He owes Nelson for a few posterizing moments when the two met in Bud Walton during non-conference play, and both need someone who can push them to become their best and most NBA developed selves. That's not going to happen if Nelson goes to Alabama.

Speaking of developing NBA skills, after watching Nelson's highlight film, it's pretty easy to see what scouts will want to see from him this year as far as development. He has often a one man show when the ball comes his way. His situation with the Bison became more isolated play once the ball went into his hands. There's not a lot of tape of him dishing the ball and coming off screens or working his way through set plays. It's mostly just putting the ball in his hand and allowing him be more talented than the next guy.

That's not going to be the case at Arkansas. He's going to learn a lot about how to keep his eyes up and distribute as a bigger player when the situation calls and allows for it. The other thing scouts probably want to see out of Nelson more is an expanded defensive presence. He's truly a monster when it comes to protecting the rim and blocking shots, but he's going to have to be more than that in the NBA. He needs to grow as an on-ball defender so he can present a full defensive threat when teams try to find ways to get mismatches on him with elite guards who require precise footwork to defend.

Down to the man, every player who spent the full year in Eric Musselman's system got the highest of marks on their draft scouting reports on defense. Anthony Black has quietly worked his way into Top 5 talk largely because executives are stunned at how well he plays defense now.

Nelson gets a chance to develop much more and will be in the bright spotlight of the NCAA Tournament longer as a Razorback. No SEC team has gone further than Arkansas the last three seasons, and barring a breakout of key injuries, this team will have the tools needed to be a Final Four threat. And that's without the baggage that comes with being a part of Alabama basketball's off court reputation.

There's plenty of good reason for Nelson to become a Razorback. Now everyone just has to wait and see if it pans out. If it does, the sky will be the limit for Brazile and Nelson. As will be the level of potential fun.