Before the NCAA Tournament, Nate Oats gives Grant Nelson an update.
As the NCAA Tournament approaches, one of the most talked-about players on the Alabama Crimson Tide is Grant Nelson. The versatile forward has proven himself to be a key asset to his team, earning attention for his impressive skill set, athleticism, and ability to impact both ends of the floor. Heading into the tournament, Coach Nate Oats, known for his high-paced offense and player development, has been working closely with Nelson, helping him refine his game and prepare for the big stage.
Grant Nelson’s Journey to Alabama
Before diving into the details of Nelson’s preparations, it’s important to understand the context of his arrival at Alabama. Grant Nelson transferred from North Dakota State, where he spent the first few years of his college career. At NDSU, he showcased a versatile game that made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the transfer portal. Standing at 6’10”, with an ability to shoot from the perimeter, pass, and defend, Nelson quickly garnered attention from high-major programs.
His decision to transfer to Alabama came with a promise of growth. Oats, who has cultivated a reputation for developing players in a system built on high energy and offensive flow, was eager to integrate Nelson into his scheme. Oats’ style of play is one that pushes players to make quick decisions, space the floor, and focus on creating open shots. For Nelson, this style has allowed him to flourish.
In his first season at Alabama, Nelson adapted quickly, proving that he could contribute immediately. His ability to stretch the floor as a big man with a soft shooting touch made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. But it wasn’t just his offensive game that caught Oats’ attention—it was his commitment to becoming a complete player, embracing the physicality of the SEC, and showing versatility on defense.
As the NCAA Tournament nears, Oats sees a player who has made significant strides not only in his game but in his mental approach to the sport.
Nate Oats’ Development Philosophy and Its Impact on Nelson
Coach Nate Oats is known for his “positionless” style of basketball, where players are expected to be capable of doing everything—shooting, passing, defending, and scoring from various spots on the floor. This approach fits Nelson’s skill set perfectly, as he possesses the size and athleticism of a traditional big man, but with the skill and versatility to play on the perimeter.
Oats’ philosophy revolves around high-speed play, efficient offense, and a focus on spacing. This is particularly beneficial for a player like Nelson, who is able to stretch defenses with his shooting and create mismatches with his ability to handle the ball. Oats has emphasized Nelson’s role in the offense, encouraging him to be aggressive both in transition and in half-court sets.
“Grant has a lot of potential. He’s a big guy who can do so much offensively. His shooting, his ball-handling—it’s all things that are really going to help us come tournament time,” Oats commented during a recent press conference. “He’s a great weapon for us. We just have to make sure he’s playing confidently and staying aggressive. He’s capable of doing so many things on the floor.”
One of the main focuses for Oats has been helping Nelson become a more consistent defender. In Alabama’s system, defense is just as important as offense, and Oats’ commitment to defensive pressure has been a cornerstone of the team’s success. He’s worked with Nelson to develop better footwork, decision-making, and communication in the defensive system.
“Grant has come a long way defensively,” said Oats. “When he first got here, it was a bit of a learning curve for him, adjusting to the speed of the SEC. But now, he’s much more comfortable in our defensive system. He’s become a more assertive defender and is starting to embrace the challenge of guarding different types of players.”
Nelson’s defensive improvement is a result of the structured approach Oats has taken to his development. The Alabama coach is known for working tirelessly with his players on improving individual skills and making sure they are prepared for every facet of the game, including defense. For Nelson, this meant spending hours in the gym working on his lateral movement, defensive positioning, and the ability to read offensive sets.
Grant Nelson’s Role in the Tournament
Heading into the NCAA Tournament, Grant Nelson is one of the key players for Alabama. His unique combination of size, athleticism, and skill makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. While he may not always be the go-to player for the Crimson Tide, his versatility allows Oats to use him in a variety of roles.
On offense, Nelson’s ability to shoot from the outside allows Alabama to space the floor and create driving lanes for their guards. His mobility enables him to step out and hit three-pointers, which has become a critical part of the team’s offensive identity. But Nelson is not just a floor spacer—he’s also a capable scorer in the post, and Oats has been emphasizing the importance of taking advantage of mismatches in the paint during the tournament.
“I think Grant has the potential to be one of the most dangerous players in the tournament. He can stretch the floor, but he can also attack the rim. He just needs to stay aggressive and keep looking for ways to impact the game,” Oats said when discussing Nelson’s role.
Defensively, Nelson’s ability to guard multiple positions gives Alabama flexibility. His length and athleticism allow him to contest shots at the rim and defend smaller, quicker players on the perimeter. In Oats’ system, players are encouraged to switch on screens and be versatile in their defensive assignments, and Nelson’s adaptability fits perfectly with this approach.
One of the things Oats has been working on with Nelson as the tournament draws near is ensuring that he stays focused throughout the course of a game. The intensity of the NCAA Tournament can be overwhelming, but Oats believes Nelson has the mental toughness to rise to the occasion.
“One of the biggest things for Grant is just to stay in the moment,” Oats explained. “He’s going to face some great teams and some great players, but he can’t let the pressure get to him. We’ve worked with him on maintaining a level of consistency and poise, especially in high-pressure situations.”
The Team’s Support and Leadership Role
While Grant Nelson has grown tremendously under Coach Oats’ guidance, he is not alone in this journey. The Alabama team is built on a foundation of leadership and support. Players like Jahvon Quinerly, Jaden Ivey, and Charles Bediako have all been instrumental in helping Nelson adjust to the high level of play in the SEC and preparing him for the rigors of the NCAA Tournament.
“It’s a team effort,” Nelson shared in a recent interview. “I couldn’t have gotten this far without my teammates. They push me every day in practice and make sure I stay sharp. It’s great to have such a strong group of guys around me, especially when the pressure is on during tournament time.”
For Coach Oats, the team’s camaraderie and the leadership within the locker room are essential for success. “The players are buying into the system and encouraging each other,” Oats said. “They’ve been through the grind of the season together, and now it’s about sticking together through the highs and lows of the tournament.”
The Bigger Picture: Championship Aspirations
As Alabama heads into the NCAA Tournament, the expectation is clear: compete for a championship. Coach Oats has built a team that can play with the best of them, and Grant Nelson will be crucial in Alabama’s pursuit of a national title. The Crimson Tide have the talent, coaching, and depth to make a deep run, but it will ultimately come down to execution—and Nelson’s contributions will be a major factor.
“Grant has been working hard all season long, and now it’s time to show what he’s capable of on the biggest stage,” Oats said. “He’s a guy who can impact a game in so many ways, and we’re going to need him to do that if we’re going to make a deep run in the tournament.”
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Alabama, but with Grant Nelson continuing to improve and embrace his role, and with Nate Oats leading the charge, the Crimson Tide are ready to make their mark in March.