Alabama forward Grant Nelson is set to play today against Robert Morris in the opening round of the NCAA tournament, a crucial match that has fans buzzing in anticipation. According to the school's NIL collective Yea Alabama, Nelson, who had been dealing with a strained patellar tendon in his left knee, will dress for the game; however, he is not set to start. Coach Nate Oats confirmed to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein that Nelson will warm up with the team and be available should the need arise, stating, "We’ll see where that takes us." This decision comes on the heels of Nelson being a game-time call after being classified as day-to-day since sustaining the injury during the SEC Tournament.
Last Saturday's SEC tournament saw Nelson leave the game against Florida with a knee injury, an event that sent shockwaves through Crimson Tide supporters. As a player pivotal to Alabama's success, his absence was keenly felt. Coach Oats mentioned on Thursday, March 20, that their strategy would depend significantly on how Nelson felt during the warm-up. "If he does end up playing, he won't have practiced anything live up until then," Oats added, highlighting the precarious nature of Nelson's condition.
When the game finally tipped off at 11:40 AM CT at Cleveland's Rocket Arena, Alabama faced the No. 15-seeded Robert Morris. Initially, Nelson didn’t take the court until late in the second half, joining with just 8:47 remaining. At that point, Alabama was clinging to a precarious four-point lead. The tension in the air was palpable as fans watched nervously, knowing Nelson's significance was not just numerical but also motivational.
With Robert Morris threatening an upset and taking a brief one-point lead shortly after Nelson entered, the stakes were higher than ever. However, the dynamic changed quickly when Aden Holloway connected with Nelson for an alley-oop dunk that ignited the momentum. "He jumped in and I think he sensed it. We can't afford to lose this," Oats remarked afterward regarding his decision to utilize Nelson. This moment marked a turning point, sparking an impressive 11-1 run that revitalized the team.
In total, Nelson contributed five points and three rebounds in his limited seven minutes of play. Despite Robert Morris’ Amar Dickerson's impressive 25-point game, the victory was sealed for Alabama at a final score of 90-81, allowing them to avoid what would have been a monumental upset and move on to the Round of 32.
Adding weight to the excitement of Nelson’s recovery, Alabama arrived at the tournament as heavy favorites, opening as 22.5-point favorites over Robert Morris—a possibility of one of the biggest upsets loomed close had they faltered. Oats’ strategy appeared to be effective, ensuring Nelson didn't overexert himself too soon as they prepare for their next opponent.
Looking ahead, Alabama is scheduled to meet the winner of the matchup between No. 7 Saint Mary's and No. 10 Vanderbilt in the second round on March 23. With Nelson now back in action, the expectations for the Crimson Tide have been raised. The team looks to build on the momentum coming from their hard-fought victory today.
On another note, sports analysts have weighed in, with Charles Barkley expressing concerns over the management of Nelson's injury status. "If you're warm, you should be playing," Barkley argued, emphasizing the mental toll ambiguity can have on the player and the team. His co-commentator Kenny Smith agreed, reiterating the importance of clear directives from the coaching staff.
Despite the intensity surrounding Nelson's injury management, today's performance showcased the team's resilience and deeper bench strength. Nelson's stats this season included an impressive average of 11.8 points and 7.6 rebounds, underlining his role as a crucial asset heading into the tournament. Last year, Nelson was instrumental in Alabama's run to the Final Four, posting similarly notable scoring and rebounding figures.
With further matches in the tournament on the horizon, each moment counts, and for Alabama, having Grant Nelson back—even in a limited role—could be a game-changer as they aim for their first national title.
