Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats said they’d be focusing on the front court when completing its roster and the Crimson Tide appears to have done just that.

North Dakota State forward Grant Nelson, one of the more coveted players in the transfer portal is headed to Alabama, Jeff Goodman of Stadium reported Wednesday. Arkansas was also recruiting Nelson from the portal. The 6-foot-11, 235-pound senior-to-be averaged 17.9 points and 9.3 rebounds a year ago.

Nelson joins five-star high school recruit Jarin Stevenson (6-foot-10) who committed to the Crimson Tide last week in the bid to rebuild in the paint.

His versatility fits well with Alabama’s up-tempo style as the big man made 30.7% of his 3-point shots in his three seasons at North Dakota State. He eclipsed the 20-point mark 11 times last year while scoring 30-plus on three occasions.

The Crimson Tide was left looking for size in the portal after being caught off guard by center Charles Bediako’s decision to remain in the NBA draft instead of returning for his junior season.

Adding Nelson would leave Alabama with two open scholarships. After Nelson and Stevenson, the next tallest player on the roster is 6-9 Nick Pringle and nobody else standing over 6-foot-5. The Crimson Tide lost considerable length in Noah Gurley (6-8), Bediako (7-0), Noah Clowney (6-10) and Brandon Miller (6-9).

Alabama also lost Jahvon Quinerly to the transfer portal Sunday after the point guard originally decided to return to Tuscaloosa after testing the NBA draft waters.

Michael Casagrande is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook