Alabama forward Grant Nelson (2) gets to the basket between Morehead State guard Eddie Ricks III (4) and guard Riley Minix (22) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Devil’s Lake high school graduate Grant Nelson, 21, was named to the 2023-24 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Men’s Player of the Year Watch List last week.
Nelson initially played at NDSU for the Bisons after graduating from DLHS. He transferred to the University of Alabama this year where he is a forward in NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball for the Crimson Tide. Nelson also made the Karl Malone Award Watch List, which annually recognizes the top power forward in the country.
“I think he’s worked hard to get to where he is at,” Grant’s father Nels told the Journal. “I’m proud of him. I think being at a power school helps a lot. A lot of people knew he was this powerful.”
While at DLHS, he led the Firebirds to the 2020 NDHSAA Class A Basketball State Tournament. As a senior at DLHS, he was awarded North Dakota Mr. Basketball by the North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association.
Nelson had his first seasonal game with the Crimson Tide on Monday, November 6 where he helped his team win in a 105-73 victory over the Morehead State Eagles. Nelson scored 24 points during the game and received unanimous praise from sports analysts and fans who eagerly awaited his debut.
