The man nicknamed the Dakota Durant has earned an NBA opportunity.
Alabama men’s basketball forward Grant Nelson has signed a deal with the Brooklyn Nets, UA announced. Nelson went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Nelson will compete for a two-way spot in training camp with the Nets, Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype reported. If Nelson sticks with the Nets, he will join former Alabama forward Noah Clowney
Nelson, a native of Devils Lake, North Dakota, spent the past two seasons with Alabama. He played in 74 games across those seasons, averaging 11.5 points per game this past season to go with 7.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. The 6-11, 230-pound forward ranked fifth in the SEC in rebounds per game. Nelson tallied double-figures in 21 games.
He finished his career, that also included three years at North Dakota, with 1,907 points and 1,017 rebounds.
Nelson’s signature moment of his time at Alabama emerged in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. He reached another gear in the Sweet 16, scoring 24 points and 12 rebounds to go with five blocks to upset No. 1 seed UNC. That pushed Alabama to the first Elite Eight under coach Nate Oats. Then Alabama beat Clemson to reach the program’s first Final Four.
Nelson also became known for some signature dunks during his time with the Crimson Tide. Against UConn in the Final Four, Nelson dunked over Donovan Clingan. Portland drafted Clingan with the seventh overall pick a season ago.
Then this past season, Nelson’s most memorable dunk happened against Auburn in Auburn. Alabama upset the No. 1-ranked Tigers, and during the game, Nelson dunked over Dylan Cardwell. Then Nelson hit the crimson crane, facing Auburn star Johni Broome.
Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group.Follow him on X andInstagram.