Grant Nelson’s time at Alabama is not up yet, the star forward announced on Monday.

The 6-foot-10 forward announced via Instagram that he is not pursuing the NBA Draft and will utilize a 5th season in college basketball for the 2024-25 season. After 3 seasons at North Dakota State, Nelson was 1 of 3 Crimson Tide players to start all 37 games this season.

A versatile big man, Nelson was 3rd on Alabama this past season while averaging 11.9 points per game. He also led the team in rebounding (5.9) and blocks (1.6). Nelson shot an efficient 61.6% inside the arc and has the ability to pull the occasional 3-pointer at 27% from deep.

Nelson starred in the Sweet 16, delivering a massive 24-point, 12-rebound double-double with 5 blocks against North Carolina. He also finished with 19 points and 15 rebounds in the eventual Final Four loss to UConn.

Alabama’s outlook

Alabama is already adding some key pieces via recruiting and the transfer portal, including a pair of 5-star forwards in Derrion Reid and Aiden Sherrell. A trio of transfer pieces including Aden Holloway, Chris Youngblood and Houston Mallette are also included.

Getting Nelson back for another season, along with that group, gives Alabama plenty of firepower in search of a return trip to the Final Four.