Junior Grant Nelson will reportedly withdraw from the 2023 NBA draft and transfer from North Dakota State University, according to Jeff Goodman of Stadium.
Nelson declared for the draft as an early entrant prospect while also entering the transfer portal. He was focused on the pre-draft process and was among the players invited to compete in the draft combine earlier this month in Chicago, Illinois.
The 6-foot-11 forward was considered a potential second-round pick but will return to college in order to improve his draft stock next year. He averaged 6.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in two scrimmage games at the combine.
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Nelson, who was named to the All-Summit League first team, averaged 17.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.7 blocks on 52.1% shooting from the field this past season. He led the conference in rebounding and field-goal percentage and was third in blocked shots (50).
He emerged as a tremendous scorer with the Bison. He can work from all over the court and has the ability to handle the ball in transition and get to the basket. He threw down a number of highlight-reel dunks given his burst and power in the paint.
Nelson has reportedly heard from several programs, including Arkansas, Gonzaga, Houston, Kentucky, Miami and UCF. The opportunity to transfer to a major conference should ensure his draft stock rises over the next season as he is expected to be the top target in the portal.
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