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Report: Kentucky Reaching Out to NDSU Transfer Forward Grant Nelson

The near-7-footer averaged 17.9 points as a junior a season ago.

Hunter Shelton

Report: Kentucky Reaching Out to NDSU Transfer Forward Grant Nelson
Report: Kentucky Reaching Out to NDSU Transfer Forward Grant Nelson /
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What? This isn't Hunter Dickinson news! 

Yes, unfortunately, the top available player in the transfer portal didn't make the biggest announcement of the college basketball offseason on his Barstool Sports podcast, despite Kentucky head coach John Calipari coincidentally eluding that a decision was coming as he sat next to former President of the United States Bill Clinton, who just got done talking to former UK point guard John Wall on the phone.

(Nothing makes sense anymore.)

Dickinson lore aside, Kentucky hasn't had any luck in the portal since it opened. It has been linked to a few names, but hasn't really been in on bringing a new face to Lexington via that route. On Tuesday, a big fish entered the portal — North Dakota State forward Grant Nelson.

On Monday, a litany of programs, including Kentucky, have reportedly reached out, according to 24/7 High School Hoops:

It's clear to see the intrigue. The 6-foot-11 Devils, Lake, N.D. native played 86 career games across three seasons for the Bison, averaging 12.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 blocks. He blossomed as a junior, averaging 17.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.7 blocks, starting in all 30 games he played. 

Nelson managed some monster numbers in the Summit League, scoring 20 or more points in 11 games, while also accumulating 11 double-doubles. He scored a whopping 36 points in a win against North Dakota on Jan. 27 and finished his junior year with nine double-doubles in his last 11 games. 

He shot a career-high 52.1 percent from the floor in 2022-23, but also shot a career-low 26.9 percent from 3-point range. If Kentucky were to miss out on Dickinson and not have Oscar Tshiebwe back for a third year, Nelson could be looked at as a potential option in Lexington. 

24/7 High School Sports also reported that Nelson is "currently locked in on the NBA draft process." If he opts to return to college, it appears as though he'll have his pick of the litter when it comes to top-notch programs. 

5-star center Flory Bidunga working to schedule Kentucky visit

Kentucky interested in former Texas commit Ron Holland

Former Kentucky point guard Sahvir Wheeler transferring to Washington

Inside Kentucky basketball's somber locker room after NCAA Tourney defeat HERE.

Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.

Sports Illustrated also offers insight, information and up to the minute details for gamblers. Check it out here.

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Hunter Shelton
HUNTER SHELTON

Hunter Shelton is a writer for Sports Illustrated-FanNation's Wildcats Today, covering football, basketball, baseball and more at the University of Kentucky. Hunter is a Lexington native and has been on the UK beat since 2021.