BREAKING: Minnesota Basketball Recruiting Receives Big Transfer Portal News
Orono’s standout 6’5 guard/wing Nolan Groves has been recognized as Minnesota’s Player of the Year by multiple outlets following an extraordinary senior season. Now, he’s drawing serious attention from top-tier college programs, including a recent offer from the hometown Gophers.
Groves’ senior campaign was nothing short of remarkable. He was honored with four of the state’s six major player of the year awards: Gatorade Player of the Year, Breakdown Player of the Year, McDonald Player of the Year (via the Coaches Association), and Prep Hoops Minnesota Player of the Year.
He led Orono to a third-place finish at state while averaging an eye-popping 34.2 points per game on 56% shooting. His stat line also included 8.5 rebounds, six assists, and 2.7 steals per game—highlighted by ten 40+ point performances, all while playing a tough schedule and dealing with the loss of two key teammates: the tragic passing of Lucas Knudson and a season-ending injury to Nate Chavez.
Reflecting on the season, Groves shared, “My senior year at Orono was definitely one to remember, both for the highs and the lows. I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished and grateful for the bond I had with my teammates.”
Over the last four years, Groves has made huge strides in both his physical development and skillset, becoming arguably the most dominant player in Minnesota for the 2024–25 season.
“I still remember my first varsity practice as a freshman. I was starstruck. Now, to be in this position feels surreal,” he said. “I’ve always felt overlooked, which really drove me. That chip on my shoulder pushed me to work harder. Now that I’m finally getting this attention, it just motivates me even more.”
Initially committed to Yale, Groves re-opened his recruitment after his stellar season. His combination of size, strength, agility, and explosiveness has now caught the eye of high-major programs.
“It’s truly a dream come true,” Groves said about receiving high-major interest. “This is something I’ve worked for since I was in third grade. All the hours, all the effort—it’s starting to pay off.”
Texas Tech has been the most persistent suitor, tracking him closely over the past few months and becoming the first to extend an offer after he reopened his recruitment. Groves is set to visit the Red Raiders this weekend.
“I’ve built a strong relationship with their coaching staff, and that’s what matters most to me in a program,” Groves said. “They also have a pretty passionate fan base, so I’m excited to check things out.”
The University of Minnesota followed closely behind, offering Groves over the weekend. Growing up in the state, the Gophers hold a special place in his heart.
“Being from Minnesota, it’s always been Gophers, Gophers, Gophers,” he said. “I remember watching Jarvis Omersa—another Orono guy—play for the Gophers when I was a kid. Now being in a similar position is just a really cool, full-circle moment.” Groves has a visit scheduled with Minnesota next Monday.
Wisconsin has also extended an offer, and more programs are lining up to speak with him this week.
Looking ahead to college, Groves knows he’ll face a more mature, physically developed field of competition. But that challenge doesn’t intimidate him.
“I’ve always played against older competition,” he said. “At 15, I was already competing with 17U teams on the Adidas 3SSB circuit. I’ve been the underdog most of my life. Now that I’ve grown into my game, I’m ready to keep proving people wrong.”