Alabama’s Grant Nelson a Game-Time Decision for NCAA Opener

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Alabama forward Grant Nelson is a game-time decision for the Crimson Tide’s NCAA Tournament first-round matchup against Robert Morris on Friday. Nelson sustained a knee injury during Alabama’s SEC Tournament semifinal loss to Florida and was seen using a brace on his left leg while speaking with reporters in the locker room.

Head coach Nate Oats announced earlier this week that Nelson could miss the opening game of the tournament after he exited the game against Florida in the first half. Nelson’s absence coincided with a second-half collapse, leading to a decisive defeat for the Tide.

“Right now, still a game-time decision,” Nelson said as the team prepared for practice in Cleveland. “We’ll see.” The Crimson Tide earned a No. 2 seed after a successful season but faces a challenging opening opponent in the Horizon League champions, who are riding a 10-game winning streak.

In the SEC Tournament semifinal, Nelson recorded nine points and three rebounds in just 10 minutes of play before leaving with approximately four minutes left in the first half. Oats noted that concerns about Nelson’s knee remain, although doctors indicated it wasn’t as severe as initially feared. “We’re hoping at a minimum that he’d be ready by Sunday,” Oats stated. “But there’s a chance he could play Friday.”

Nelson has expressed a strong desire to contribute. “Just to get to this point, it obviously sucks facing an injury right now,” he commented. “But I’m gonna do what I can to get out there tomorrow.” As Alabama geared up for practice, he was permitted to take shots but did not participate in live drills.

Oats reiterated Nelson’s status, emphasizing that the decision would hinge on how he feels on Friday morning. “Grant wants to play,” Oats said. “He’s a competitor, but he won’t have practiced live before the game.” The team is preparing to tip off at 11:40 a.m. CT against Robert Morris, with the winner advancing to face either Vanderbilt or Saint Mary's on Sunday.

Robert Morris, a 15-seed, enters the tournament with a record of 26-8 and a Horizon League regular-season and tournament championship. The Colonials, based in Moons Township, Pennsylvania, have made nine NCAA appearances in their history, although the tournament was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19.

The Colonials were established in 1921 and have participated in various conferences throughout their history, though most of their programs now compete in the Horizon League. A significant aspect of Robert Morris’s identity lies in honoring its namesake, a Founding Father of the United States and financier of the American Revolution.

As fans eagerly await news on Nelson’s availability, both teams prepare for a critical matchup in what promises to be an exciting start to the NCAA Tournament.