ACC Rookie Star & 2004 UConn National Champ
Ed Nelson, a 6-8 powerhouse forward from Fort Lauderdale, FL, dominated as Georgia Tech's 2001-02 ACC Rookie of the Year, averaging 10.4 PPG and 6.6 RPG in conference play on 54.2% FG before transferring to UConn, where he contributed to the 2004 NCAA title and posted 5.7 PPG with 4.7 RPG as a senior in 2005-06. Known for his high school dominance (26 PPG, 11 RPG leading to a state title), rebounding tenacity, and free-throw precision (90.9% in NIT), Nelson's physicality and consistency make him a proven winner—ideal for teams needing gritty frontcourt leadership, though his pro career ended in 2015.
