Alabama basketball forward may be back from a knee injury in time for the team’s first-round NCAA Tournament matchup against Robert Morris, according to head coach Nate Oats. Nelson sustained the injury during Alabama’s SEC Tournament quarterfinal game against Florida.
Oats mentioned that Nelson will see a specialist on Monday but remains hopeful about his return. “We’re hoping to get Grant back,” Oats said. “He’s walking today, though swollen. Hopefully, he’ll be ready for the first round.”
Nelson had a strong start in Saturday’s loss to Florida, scoring nine points, including a powerful dunk. However, he left the game with 3:30 left in the first half and did not return. Without him, the Crimson Tide struggled, ultimately losing 104-82 after staying close in the first half.
“I think the guys coming off the bench, we could do a better job of stepping up,” said Mo Dioubate after the game. “Grant being out, we all try to fill his shoes even more. Everyone’s just got to step up. We gotta bring the big boy drawers. This is the time. This is our time now.”
Following the game, Oats confirmed Nelson’s injury was related to his knee, and he expressed hope that the forward would be ready for the start of the tournament.
Nelson was a key player in last year’s Final Four run, contributing significantly during the NCAA Tournament. This season, he is averaging 11.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.
Alabama is set to face Robert Morris on Friday in Cleveland for its first-round game, with the Crimson Tide entering the NCAA Tournament as the No. 2 seed.
