Former Salpointe star Evan Nelson says his upcoming graduation season at Arizona is “completely a dream.”

When Evan Nelson first slipped on an Arizona Wildcats jersey, he was still the wide-eyed kid from Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson—a city that had already embraced him as one of its own. Years later, as he prepares to graduate, Nelson finds himself not just older and wiser, but deeply grateful. For him, the upcoming season is more than a final chapter; it’s the culmination of a lifelong dream fulfilled.

“This is completely a dream,” Nelson said with a wide smile during spring media day. “From growing up in Tucson, watching U of A games with my dad, to now being part of this program—it’s everything I ever wanted.”

The Hometown Kid Who Stayed

Nelson’s story is rare in today’s college basketball landscape—one where high-profile transfers and one-and-done players dominate the headlines. He didn’t leave for a flashy Power Five program on the East Coast. He didn’t test the NBA Draft waters after one breakout year. Instead, he stayed. He built. He matured. And now, as he enters his final season at Arizona, Nelson is one of the longest-tenured players in the locker room—a steady presence on and off the court.

“Evan is the kind of player every coach wants,” Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd said. “He’s unselfish, hard-working, and he loves being a Wildcat. That kind of leadership is invaluable, especially for our younger guys.”

A Journey of Growth

Nelson’s path to this point hasn’t always been easy. When he first arrived on campus, the adjustment to college basketball was steep. Arizona’s backcourt was loaded with talent, and minutes were hard to come by. But Nelson embraced the grind.

“He wasn’t the flashiest recruit we had, but man, he just kept working,” Lloyd said. “Every offseason, he got a little better. Stronger. More confident. And now he’s earned everything coming his way.”

As a freshman, Nelson appeared in just a handful of games. But by his sophomore season, he started to carve out a role as a dependable rotation player—someone who could come in, defend at a high level, and take care of the basketball.

It wasn’t until his junior year that Nelson truly broke out. With key departures in the backcourt, the door opened, and Nelson walked right through it. He averaged 8.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting an efficient 47% from the floor. More importantly, he became the glue guy—often doing the little things that don’t show up in the box score but win games.

Building Bonds That Last

For Nelson, basketball has always been about more than just stats and accolades. It’s about connection. He still keeps in touch with several of his Salpointe teammates, and he’s grown close to his Wildcat brothers over the past four years.

“Some of my best memories aren’t even from the games,” Nelson said. “It’s the long practices, the flights, the hotel rooms. The little moments. I’ve made lifelong friends here.”

Senior forward Kylan Boswell called Nelson “the ultimate teammate.”

“He leads without trying to lead,” Boswell said. “He’s just himself. Positive, encouraging, focused. Guys respect that.”

Nelson’s leadership has also extended to mentoring Arizona’s freshmen. Highly touted recruits often come in with high expectations and the pressure to perform immediately. Nelson has been a grounding presence for them.

“I tell them, ‘Take it one day at a time,’” Nelson said. “This place will push you, but if you love the game and stay locked in, you’ll grow. I’m living proof.”

Hometown Hero, Community Icon

In Tucson, Evan Nelson is more than a college basketball player—he’s a hometown hero. Salpointe Catholic retired his jersey last year in a ceremony that brought together family, friends, former coaches, and an auditorium full of students chanting his name.

“It meant the world to me,” Nelson said. “To go back to the place that helped shape me and see how much support I still have—it’s humbling.”

Off the court, Nelson has remained active in the community. He’s volunteered at local schools, spoken at youth camps, and partnered with charities to support underprivileged kids in southern Arizona.

“He never forgot where he came from,” said Carlos Romero, Nelson’s high school coach at Salpointe. “He’s a role model in every sense.”

Academic Excellence

Nelson’s contributions extend beyond the hardwood. He’s set to graduate in May with a degree in business administration, and he’s already weighing options for life after basketball.

“I’ve always been into finance,” Nelson said. “I love numbers, problem-solving, strategy. So whether it’s playing overseas or working in sports management or analytics, I want to stay connected to the game while building a future beyond it.”

His academic achievements have earned him recognition within the Pac-12, where he was named to the Academic Honor Roll three times. Balancing basketball and school wasn’t easy, but for Nelson, it was non-negotiable.

“My mom always emphasized education,” he said. “She used to tell me, ‘Basketball can open doors, but books keep them open.’”

The Last Dance

With his final season ahead, Nelson is embracing every moment—from the early-morning workouts to the late-night film sessions. He knows this is it. One last run. One more shot at March Madness.

Arizona is projected to be a top contender in the Pac-12, and expectations are high. But Nelson, ever the level-headed competitor, is keeping things in perspective.

“I just want to play the game the right way, help my team win, and enjoy the ride,” he said. “No regrets.”

He’s also well aware of how fleeting it all is.

“I still remember my first practice here,” Nelson said. “It felt like the NBA to me. Now I’m the old guy, showing the new guys the ropes. It’s surreal, but it’s beautiful.”

Legacy and Impact

Regardless of what happens this season, Nelson’s legacy in Tucson is secure. He’s the embodiment of loyalty, perseverance, and quiet excellence. While he might not have the highest scoring average or the most highlight-reel dunks, his impact is undeniable.

“He’s going to be one of those guys people talk about for a long time,” Coach Lloyd said. “Not just because of what he did on the court, but because of who he is as a person.”

Salpointe has already invited Nelson to speak at its graduation ceremony this spring—a full-circle moment that he’s still processing.

“Me? Speak at graduation?” Nelson said with a laugh. “That’s wild. But I’ll do it. If I can inspire even one kid to chase their dream, it’s worth it.”

What’s Next?

As he prepares to walk across the stage in his cap and gown, Nelson is also looking ahead. The prospect of playing professional basketball remains on the table, and he’s had interest from international clubs.

“I’m open to it,” Nelson said. “Whether it’s the G League, Europe, or wherever—if I get a shot to keep playing, I’ll take it. But I’m also ready for whatever life throws at me.”

There’s a calm confidence to him now—a far cry from the nervous freshman who once struggled to find his voice in the locker room. Experience has shaped him. So has adversity.

As Nelson reflects on his journey, he’s filled with gratitude—for his family, his coaches, his teammates, and his city.

“I couldn’t have written a better story,” he said. “From Salpointe to Arizona, it’s been everything I hoped for—and then some. I’ll cherish this place for the rest of my life.”

And with one more season left to write the final chapter, Evan Nelson is ready to make every moment count.