‘Put Me In’: Injured Grant Nelson Subs in for Alabama to Help Put Robert Morris Away

March Madness is known for its drama, unpredictability, and players who rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest. Every year, teams face challenges that test their resilience, and individual players find ways to carve out their legacy on the grandest stage of college basketball. For the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, that moment came when Grant Nelson, despite being hampered by an injury, stepped in at a critical juncture to help Alabama escape a potential upset against the Robert Morris Colonials in the first round. The Crimson Tide, who entered the tournament as a highly-seeded team, were in danger of falling to the 15-seed Robert Morris when a pivotal moment in the game sparked their resurgence — and it all centered around Nelson’s decision to play through the pain.

This article will dive deep into the significance of Grant Nelson’s role in the game against Robert Morris, exploring his injury, his impact on the floor, the game’s turning points, and what this moment means for Alabama’s march toward the NCAA Championship.

The Build-Up: Grant Nelson’s Injury and Alabama’s Struggles

The Crimson Tide entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament as a 2-seed with national title aspirations. Coach Nate Oats had built a powerhouse team with dynamic players like Brandon Miller, Noah Clowney, and Mark Sears. However, just days before the tournament, Alabama received an unsettling piece of news: Grant Nelson, one of their most versatile players, had suffered an injury that left his availability in question for the opening round. The injury, which appeared to be a nagging ankle sprain, had limited his ability to practice and led to uncertainty about how much he would be able to contribute in the tournament.

Grant Nelson, a 6-foot-9 forward who had been an essential part of Alabama’s success throughout the season, was known for his scoring ability, rebounding, and elite shot-blocking. He played a pivotal role in Alabama’s success, both as a defensive anchor and a versatile scorer capable of stepping out and hitting three-pointers or working in the post. The loss of Nelson for the game against Robert Morris would have been a devastating blow for a team that was already dealing with the pressure of high expectations. The Crimson Tide had been one of the most dominant teams of the regular season, and without Nelson, they would lose a key component of their offense and defense.

As the game against Robert Morris unfolded, it became clear that Alabama was struggling to put the 15-seed away. Early in the first half, Alabama appeared sluggish, their offense unable to find a consistent rhythm. Robert Morris, the underdog, came out strong, playing loose and confident while taking advantage of Alabama’s lack of intensity. The Colonials built a small lead, and at halftime, the Crimson Tide were in danger of an upset, trailing by five points.

Coach Oats had faith in his team, but as the second half began, it was evident that the Crimson Tide needed a spark — and it needed to come from one of their stars. With Nelson still limited by injury, the team’s performance in his absence became a critical factor.

The Crucial Moment: Grant Nelson’s Decision to Play Through the Pain

The turning point came midway through the second half, when the Alabama offense had stalled and Robert Morris continued to hang tough. The game was still close, and Alabama needed a spark from one of its key players to avoid embarrassment in the opening round of the tournament. That’s when Grant Nelson made a decision that would change the course of the game.

Despite his injury, Nelson approached Coach Oats with a simple request: “Put me in.” It was a moment of sheer determination, the kind of grit that legends are made of. With the stakes as high as they could be, Nelson knew that his team needed him — even if he wasn’t at 100%. His willingness to play through pain in the biggest moment of the season demonstrated not only his toughness but his deep commitment to his teammates and his desire to help his team advance.

Coach Oats, knowing the risk but also understanding the need for a player with Nelson’s versatility and experience, gave the green light. Nelson checked into the game, and immediately, his presence was felt. He wasn’t 100%, but he was enough to make a difference.

Nelson’s Impact: Providing a Spark for the Crimson Tide

Nelson’s return to the floor gave Alabama a much-needed boost. While he wasn’t moving at the same speed or with the same explosiveness as he had during the regular season, his mere presence on the court was enough to change the energy of the game. Alabama’s offense began to flow more smoothly, with Nelson setting screens, pulling defenders, and freeing up space for his teammates to operate.

Nelson’s first big play came on the defensive end. Robert Morris was pushing the ball, trying to create a fast-break opportunity, but Nelson was there, sliding over and blocking a shot attempt at the rim. The crowd roared as the ball was sent flying into the stands. That defensive play not only shifted the momentum but also gave Alabama a renewed sense of confidence. Nelson’s ability to protect the rim was something they had sorely missed in his absence.

On the offensive side of the ball, Nelson’s versatility shone through. He was able to hit a couple of key mid-range jumpers, including one off a pick-and-pop play that stretched the Robert Morris defense. His ability to score in a variety of ways, from scoring in the post to stepping out and hitting jump shots, made him a matchup nightmare. With Nelson back on the court, Alabama began to stretch the floor and create better spacing. This allowed other players like Brandon Miller and Mark Sears to find their rhythm and capitalize on the open looks Nelson helped create.

However, the most significant play came with about 4 minutes remaining in the game. With Alabama holding on to a slim lead, Nelson received the ball in the high post, pivoted, and drove toward the basket. He was met with a double team, but with his court vision, he was able to find an open Noah Clowney on the baseline for an easy dunk. This play not only pushed Alabama’s lead to 7 points but also deflated Robert Morris’ momentum. With just minutes left, the Crimson Tide began to close out the game, with Nelson playing a pivotal role in their final run.

The Final Push: Alabama Takes Control

With Grant Nelson providing a critical lift, Alabama managed to close out the game with a 74-71 win. While the Crimson Tide’s victory wasn’t as commanding as many had expected, they were able to overcome the adversity of the game — and the injury to Nelson — thanks to the veteran forward’s performance in the closing stages.

Nelson’s 12 minutes of play, which included 6 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 key blocks, turned the tide for Alabama. His leadership and willingness to play through injury not only provided an emotional spark for his teammates but also gave the Crimson Tide a tangible boost in crucial moments. His presence on both ends of the court was the catalyst that allowed Alabama to reassert themselves and secure the victory.

While Alabama’s first-round performance was far from perfect, Nelson’s late-game heroics were a reminder of the value of tough, resilient players who are willing to put the team above all else. It was clear that Alabama’s path to success in the tournament would need to be defined by moments like these — moments when players like Nelson were willing to sacrifice and push through pain for the greater good of the team.

The Legacy of Grant Nelson’s Performance

Grant Nelson’s gutsy performance against Robert Morris will forever be remembered as one of the defining moments of Alabama’s 2025 NCAA Tournament run. It was a game where Alabama learned the importance of grit and perseverance, qualities that would serve them well as the tournament progressed.

Nelson’s injury did not prevent him from contributing to his team’s success. If anything, it made his performance all the more meaningful. His willingness to play through pain embodied the spirit of March Madness, where heroes emerge from unexpected places, and where players push their limits to achieve greatness.

For Alabama, this game was a wake-up call. It was a reminder that the road to a national championship is rarely smooth, and teams must be ready to respond to adversity at every turn. With Grant Nelson’s leadership and the lessons learned from this narrow escape, Alabama emerged from the first round not just as a team with championship aspirations, but as a squad that had been tested and hardened by challenge.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Alabama?

While the victory over Robert Morris was significant, Alabama knows that the road ahead will only get tougher. As the Crimson Tide move forward in the tournament, they will need to tighten up their defense, improve their consistency on offense, and, most importantly, rely on players like Grant Nelson who are willing to fight through any obstacle to achieve greatness.

Grant Nelson’s performance was more than just a boost for one game; it was a sign of things to come. As Alabama continues its march through the NCAA Tournament, Nelson’s leadership, toughness, and skill will be a vital part of their hopes for a national championship. With his injury behind him, the Crimson Tide are now poised to make a serious run, and the impact of Nelson’s comeback performance against Robert Morris will be felt throughout the tournament.

In the end, Grant Nelson’s story in the 2025 NCAA Tournament will be remembered not just for his basketball abilities, but for the heart and determination he showed when his team needed it most.