CLEVELAND – Grant Nelson, the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball forward, remains a game-time decision as the team gears up for their opening match in the NCAA Tournament against the Robert Morris Colonials. Following a knee injury sustained during the SEC Tournament semifinals against the Florida Gators, Nelson has been sidelined and is now listed as questionable for the pivotal first-round game.
Head coach Nate Oats shared that the trainers have classified Nelson's condition as "day-to-day," which heightens the uncertainty surrounding his availability. “Grant wants to play. He’s a competitor,” Oats commented, acknowledging Nelson's desire to return to the court. The coach detailed that Nelson had only resumed basketball skill workouts recently and did not participate in any live practices leading up to Friday's contest.
As a second-leading scorer for Alabama, averaging 11.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, Nelson's performance is crucial for the team’s hopes against Robert Morris, who comes in with a solid 26-8 record. The Tide have had a strong season overall, entering the tournament with a 25-8 record and a second seed after a tough loss to Florida.
“Just yesterday, he started doing basketball skill workouts,” Oats explained during a press conference. “It'll end up being a game-time decision based on what he feels like in the morning, but if he does end up playing, he won't have practiced anything live up until then.” Nelson's participation hinges largely on how he responds to his recovery overnight.
The challenges are not solely on the Crimson Tide’s side. Alvaro Folgueiras, a forward for Robert Morris, has made clear his intention to capitalize on any potential weakness in Alabama's lineup should Nelson be unable to play. “We’ve got to be focused on what we do,” Folgueiras stated. “Personally if they’re saving Nelson for the second round, we’ve got to make sure that they suffer without him, and that’s our job.”
In their last matchup, Nelson showed promising performance prior to his injury, scoring nine points within just ten minutes before needing to leave the game in the first half due to knee pain. After a medical evaluation revealed that the injury wasn't severe, there remains hope for his speedy return.
With NCAA Tournament games always surrounded by dramatic narratives and unforeseen twists, the anticipation now rests on whether Nelson can shake off his injuries and contribute to the Tide’s success. Oats noted that if Alabama progresses, there is optimism that he could be ready for the subsequent game on Sunday against either Vanderbilt or Saint Mary's, dramatically impacting their tournament trajectory.
The matchup will tip off at 11:40 a.m. CT on Friday in Cleveland, and Alabama will look to make a deep run into the tournament while holding hope for Nelson's recovery. Oats and the team remain cautiously optimistic as they formally prepare for a critical moment not only for their season but for the programs they aim to impress.
Through careful monitoring of Nelson’s health and his determination to return, this first-round matchup could serve as a pivotal moment in the season for the Crimson Tide. With every player aware of the significance of the tournament, the air is thick with excitement, tension, and the promise of unpredictable moments.
As the game approaches, one can only wait to see how the conditions unfold and whether Grant Nelson will step onto the court to make an impact, or if Alabama will have to find strength in the depths of their roster against a formidable Robert Morris team.
