Alabama Crimson Tide star Grant Nelson was injured during their last game against the Florida Gators in the SEC Tournament. Nelson went down with a knee injury that could hold him out for part of the March Madness tournament.
Grant Nelson’s Impact on Alabama
Nelson has been one of the best players for the Crimson Tide this season and was pivotal to their Final Four run last year.
Over the final three games of Alabama’s season tournament run in the previous year, Nelson averaged 17 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks while shooting over 51% from the floor and 37% from three.
The star forward has not taken a step back this year, as he leads the team in rebounds and blocks per game and is second in scoring. With senior Mark Sears leading the way and three other Crimson Tides players averaging over double figures in points, Alabama should have enough to get by Friday’s matchup and their matchup in the Round of 32.
The Crimson Tide are 25-8 on the season and secured a 2-seed in the tournament. Their first game is against Robert Morris on Friday. Though only 11 2-seeds have ever lost in the tournament’s first round, one 2-seed has lost in 3 of the last four years. The Colonials have a veteran squad led by senior Kam Woods, who’ve lost only one game since January 12th.
Coach Nate Oats said he’s “not sure he will be ready by Friday. “We’re hoping, at a minimum, he’ll be ready by Sunday, with the possibility of maybe Friday. Thought he played really well. We dodged one. It wasn’t anything too serious with his knee but will certainly be questionable for that first game Friday.”
Alabama’s Chances in March Madness
Alabama hopes to get Nelson back soon and that this knee injury will not affect their chances of advancing far into the tournament.
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At certain points in this tournament, Alabama will look to Nelson for his talent and senior leadership to help guide them, and operating at peak strength will be necessary.
According to ESPN, the Crimson Tide are tied for the 5th best odds to win the national championship at 18-1.
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