University of Vermont Athletics

Erik Nelson 1998 - Baseball, Basketball

A two-time all-conference forward for the Vermont men's basketball team, Erik Nelson is one of the first three Catamounts to record over 1,000 points and 750 rebounds in his career. Nelson, a 2009 Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, was one of three UVM frontcourt players to earn America East All-Conference first team honors in Vermont's first 20 years in the league. He was named to the first team as a senior in 1998 to join UVM Hall of Famers Mike Evelti '82 (1981 and 82) and Kevin Roberson '92 (1992 and 92).

The 6-foot-7 forward/center finished his career 12th all-time at UVM in scoring (1,222 points), second in blocked shots (282), third in rebounds (795), third in field goal percentage (55%) and fifth in steals (129). He also was one the top shot-blockers in UVM and America East history leading the conference three times in blocked shots. A native of Pittsburgh, Nelson made an immediate impact as a freshman in 1994-95 earning America East All-Rookie Team honors. He led the Cats with a rookie-record 62 blocked shots and was second on the team in rebounds. He also pitched for the Vermont baseball team in the spring of 1995 and led the team in relief appearances and saves.

He had an improved sophomore season averaging 10.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting 56.3% from the floor. Nelson led the conference in blocked shots and ranked 20th in the nation, and was 10th in the loop in rebounds.

Nelson was named to the America East All-Conference Third Team as a junior in 1996-97. He led the Cats and ranked in the conference's top 10 in five statistical categories, points per game (14.9), rebounds (8.6), blocked shots (3.32), field goal percentage (50.7%) and steals. He again led America East in blocks while ranking ninth in the NCAA.

He had a strong senior season leading the Catamounts to a third place finish in the America East, the team's best in its first 20 years in the conference. Vermont also set new program marks with 11 league wins and 15 Division I victories. Nelson ranked ninth in the conference in scoring (16.2 ppg), second in rebounds (9.1), first in blocks (2.63) and second in field goal shooting (57.3%). He reached double digits in points in 26 games and recorded nine double-doubles. In addition to being named to the league's first team, he was selected to the NABC District I (All-New England) Second Team.

A three-time member of the America East Academic Honor Roll, Nelson played professionally overseas for a total of 11 seasons following graduation. In the winter of 2007-08 he returned stateside and was a standout for the ABA Champion Vermont Frost Heaves.