Izaiyah Nelson is a right-handed forward/LPS with an unmistakable NBA body. Nelson averaged 15.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.4 blocked shots per game this season at South Florida. He played three seasons at Arkansas State in the Sun Belt before stepping up to the American Conference at South Florida. At 6'8" with a 7'2.5" wingspan and 219 pounds, Nelson has natural size and length that cannot be taught. He was named American Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2025-26, and his DDiff was plus 5.6. Nelson also led the American Conference in box score plus/minus. He posted a 38.5" max vertical at the NBA Draft Combine, and he is excellent in transition. Nelson has shown steady improvement across the board in his four NCAA seasons. He raised his scoring, rebounding, and assists per game every year. That kind of development matters, especially for a player whose NBA value will likely begin on the defensive end. Offensively, Nelson is still very limited. He is a non-shooter from deep, with a woeful 15.3% career three-point percentage. He did shoot 72.5% from the free throw line this season, which at least gives some hope that the touch can improve. Nelson had more turnovers than assists every season, so the feel for offense is not there yet. We view Nelson as a defensive specialist at this point in his basketball journey. The shooting and offensive feel are real problems, but he has shown improvement, and his physical tools are obvious. It may take a while, but if Nelson continues to work hard, he could get there.
