Report: Coveted Transfer Big Grant Nelson to Commit to Alabama Basketball

The addition of Nelson greatly bolsters the Crimson Tide's frontcourt after the loss of Charles Bediako to the NBA.

© Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Just when things were starting to look grim, Nate Oats pulled another rabbit out of his hat. 

The Alabama basketball head coach is expected to land the pledge of North Dakota State forward Grant Nelson, according to a report from On3's Joe Tipton. Nelson is viewed by many as the best available player in the transfer portal.

Alabama secured Nelson's commitment over SEC rival Arkansas after Nelson took visits to both Tuscaloosa and Fayetteville this past week. 

Nelson, hailing from Devils Lake, North Dakota, is exactly what the Crimson Tide needed for its 2023-24 roster following the unexpected departure of center Charles Bediako to the NBA Draft.

At 6-foot-11 and 235 pounds, Nelson provides the size that Alabama was sorely missing, with its only returning big man from last season being 6-9 Nick Pringle. 

In addition to his size, Nelson's offensive game compliments Oats' up-tempo, five-out offensive style tremendously. 

Last season, Nelson was an offensive weapon for the Bison, averaging nearly 18 points per game while showing off a wide range of skills, including well-above-average ball handling for a big man, superb inside scoring ability, great athleticism and significant rim-running speed. 

He also has the capability to stretch the floor, a necessity in Alabama's system, having shot just under 31 percent from 3-point range in his career. 

Nelson's performance last year earned himself First-Team All-Summit League honors, and he even entered his name into the NBA Draft pool for feedback before withdrawing and becoming one of the hottest names in the entire transfer portal cycle. 

Nelson joins an already-loaded transfer portal class coming to Tuscaloosa, including Hofstra transfer and CAA Player of the Year Aaron Estrada, as well as CSU Fullerton transfer and First Team All-Big West selection Latrell Wrightsell Jr. 

With Nelson's commitment, Alabama has two open scholarships remaining to pursue another portal target or a late-committing high school prospect. 

See also:

Alabama Basketball Roster Tracker: 2023 Offseason