University of Minnesota Athletics
Nolan Groves Set to Join Gophers for 2026-27 Season
4/28/2026 12:53:00 PM | Men's Basketball
University of Minnesota men's basketball coach Niko Medved has announced that Nolan Groves (Long Lake, Minn.) will join the Golden Gopher program in June. Groves joins the Gophers after spending his freshman year at Texas Tech.
"I'm really excited to have Nolan come back home to represent his state and the University of Minnesota," Medved said. "Nolan is very versatile, both offensively and defensively. He's a skilled player with a high basketball IQ who can guard 1-4. As a part of winning programs both in high school and college, Nolan is a great fit for what we are building here at Minnesota."
A 6-foot, 5-inch guard, Groves saw action in 23 games for the Red Raiders last season, as Texas Tech advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Groves averaged 5.8 minutes and scored 21 points, as well as starting in the first two games of the season. Prior to his tenure at Texas Tech, Groves was a standout in the Minnesota high school basketball scene, earning the 2024-25 Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year honors. As a senior with Orono High School, Groves averaged 34.1 points and 8.5 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals a game. He led the Spartans to a state tournament appearance and scored 40 or more points in nine games, including one with 57. Groves was also named Prep Hoops Player of the Year and the Metro West Conference Player of the Year in 2025. In addition, he also played AAU basketball with Minnesota Select and JSizzles.
"I'm really excited to have Nolan come back home to represent his state and the University of Minnesota," Medved said. "Nolan is very versatile, both offensively and defensively. He's a skilled player with a high basketball IQ who can guard 1-4. As a part of winning programs both in high school and college, Nolan is a great fit for what we are building here at Minnesota."
A 6-foot, 5-inch guard, Groves saw action in 23 games for the Red Raiders last season, as Texas Tech advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Groves averaged 5.8 minutes and scored 21 points, as well as starting in the first two games of the season. Prior to his tenure at Texas Tech, Groves was a standout in the Minnesota high school basketball scene, earning the 2024-25 Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year honors. As a senior with Orono High School, Groves averaged 34.1 points and 8.5 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals a game. He led the Spartans to a state tournament appearance and scored 40 or more points in nine games, including one with 57. Groves was also named Prep Hoops Player of the Year and the Metro West Conference Player of the Year in 2025. In addition, he also played AAU basketball with Minnesota Select and JSizzles.
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