Grant Nelson towers over the basketball court as a star forward for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He has a Netflix adaptation-worthy story of starting as a small-town boy who made it to the big leagues. Behind his success stands a big family who have even bigger hearts for cheering him on. Let’s dive into the lives of his parents and eight siblings who shaped this rising athlete.
From Devils Lake to Alabama: Grant Nelson’s and His Family’s Story Behind His Success
Grant Nelson grew up in Devils Lake, N.D., and was born on March 18, 2002. His parents, Nels and Meg Nelson raised a bustling household of ten. Nels works as a contractor and real estate investor in their hometown.
Meg, a registered nurse with a degree from the University of North Dakota, serves at FirstChoice Clinic. Together, they nurtured Grant and his eight siblings, four brothers, and four sisters, while supporting his basketball dreams.
Grant’s skills shone early at Devils Lake High School. As a senior, he dominated with 25 points, 18 rebounds, and 5.7 blocks per game. Named North Dakota’s Mr. Basketball, he led his conference in every major stat.
GRANT NELSON SOARS ✈️#MarchMadness @AlabamaMBB pic.twitter.com/eiHTJAbtUC
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 21, 2025
His junior year wasn’t far behind, averaging 16 points and 12 rebounds. After high school, he signed with North Dakota State in 2020, launching his college career.
At North Dakota State, Grant played all 27 games as a freshman, earning Summit League Sixth Man of the Year with 6.3 points per game. In his sophomore year, despite missing four games due to injury, he averaged 11.6 points.
After three seasons, he transferred to Alabama in 2023 with two years of eligibility left. His family backed his every move, leaving big decisions to him.
Once of the most important moments of his career came in Alabama’s Sweet Sixteen win over North Carolina on March 21, 2025. With star guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. sidelined, Grant stepped up.
He scored 24 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and blocked five shots, securing an 89-87 victory. “His stellar defensive skills, mingled with his accurate shots, brought the victory home,” analysts noted. That performance showcased his 6’11” frame and guard-like agility.
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Grant’s family extends beyond his parents. His half-brother, Justin Thomas, 36, works in insurance in Bismarck and acts as his unofficial assistant. Justin’s guidance has been key, especially when Grant considered the 2023 NBA Draft.
After family talks, he withdrew and joined Alabama instead. Another sibling, younger brother Joel Nelson, hoops for the Devils Lake Firebirds. At 6’6”, Joel recently won a state championship, something Grant never did.
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