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Get to Know Men's Basketball's Nolan Groves
6/22/2026 10:50:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nolan Groves joined the Gopher men's basketball program in April after spending a year at Texas Tech. Playing in 23 games as a freshman last year, the 6-foot, 5-inch guard was a part of the Red Raiders' NCAA Tournament team and averaged 5.8 minutes. Prior to his Texas Tech tenure, Groves was a standout with Orono High School and Minnesota Select. He was named the 2024-25 Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year after averaging 34.1 points his senior season. He also led the Spartans to the state tournament and was named the Metro West Conference Player of the Year. Get to know more about Nolan in this question/answer session.
What led you back to Minnesota and to represent your home state?
Honestly, I spent one year away from home and after spending that year far away, I think it was an easy decision to come back home. I missed it here and all the connections I had and friends I made so it was an easy decision to come back home and play for the Gophers.
Being from Minnesota, did you know some of the Gopher players before committing here?
I knew the two incoming freshmen, Cedric (Tomes) and Nolen (Anderson), and Grayson Grove. We used to play against each other in high school. I played mostly against them, but I played with Nolen in a MBCA Showcase camp, but now teammates instead of on the opposing team.
You've been with this coaching staff for a couple weeks now, what have you learned so far from this group?
I love this staff so far. They have a complicated offense that we're learning right now, but they are very patient and let you work through the kinks and let you play through it. As a player, that's exactly what you want. You want a coach that's willing to work with you and allow you to feel things out and play through mistakes early on. It's been a home run in that area.
For those who haven't seen your game, what can you bring to the Gophers?
I can definitely bring some versatility this year in all aspects of the game, especially defense. I can guard the ball and guard 1-4. On the offensive side, I can add in all areas, I can shoot the ball, drive it and score out of the mid-range. If you put a label on me, I'd say versatility.
You're a sophomore and played high-level basketball last year. How did that first year help you to play here at Minnesota?
That experience was a very hard experience, but I really learned so much. Like you said, it's a high-level program with high expectations. I learned a lot about how to take care of my body and how to approach practice. It helped me realize the work ethic it takes, especially on the defensive end. My defensive game really got a lot better than where it was in high school. Although that experience was hard, it was invaluable and I learned so many lessons. I'm definitely going to take those lessons and apply them here. Hopefully we just gel as a team and take off.
What sports did you play growing up and when did basketball become the focus for you?
I played football and baseball, along with basketball growing up. Early on in third grade, I knew basketball was my favorite. It was a sport my dad played growing up and fell in love with it early. I quit football in seventh grade and baseball in eighth grade and decided to focus on basketball. My goal was always to play Division I basketball.
Best sports memory playing in or watching?
I'm going back to just last year. We played at Madison Square Garden against Duke. I hadn't been playing all that much and was subbed into the game with 12 minutes left. I was matched up with Cam Boozer, who's going to be one of the top picks in the NBA Draft this year. We were down in that game and ended up coming back and winning. I just thought that moment was so special. You're playing such a storied program and playing at MSG, that was a really cool experience and one of my favorite moments.
The Special Olympics is on campus this week and in the past, you've volunteered with them. Talk about what you did and that experience?
I think it's super cool that we have events like that here in Minneapolis and I have volunteered with them in the past and I really enjoyed it and it's an organization that I'd love to continue to work with now that I'm back here in Minnesota. It's a cool opportunity and I'd love to be a part of that.
When you worked with them, were you a coach?
I volunteered with them in a couple sports. When I was with them for basketball, I was a volunteer coach, but unfortunately we never made it to Target Center. Maybe Orono will make it there one day. I also was an assistant player for their flag football team. I had a blast. I'd definitely like to continue to be a part of it.
What are you most excited for this upcoming season?
This team is so well gelled together already. I was just talking about it with the other guys. I just can't wait to be a part of a team that's super close and comes into the gym that has energy and fun. Obviously you have to work very hard, but it's easier to work hard when you're having fun every day doing it. That team chemistry is going to be fun to be a part of this year.
Favorite Food: Buffalo Chicken Wings
Best Minnesota summer pastime go to: It's a tie between golfing or going on Lake Minnetonka.
Game Day Basketball Shoe Pick: I get to have Nikes again this year. I may have to go with the Kobes or the GT Cuts. But for game days, probably gotta go with some Kobes.
Best Movie or TV Show: The Godfather. Shout out to my dad, John Groves.
Favorite NBA Team or Player: The Wolves and Anthony Edwards.
What led you back to Minnesota and to represent your home state?
Honestly, I spent one year away from home and after spending that year far away, I think it was an easy decision to come back home. I missed it here and all the connections I had and friends I made so it was an easy decision to come back home and play for the Gophers.
Being from Minnesota, did you know some of the Gopher players before committing here?
I knew the two incoming freshmen, Cedric (Tomes) and Nolen (Anderson), and Grayson Grove. We used to play against each other in high school. I played mostly against them, but I played with Nolen in a MBCA Showcase camp, but now teammates instead of on the opposing team.
You've been with this coaching staff for a couple weeks now, what have you learned so far from this group?
I love this staff so far. They have a complicated offense that we're learning right now, but they are very patient and let you work through the kinks and let you play through it. As a player, that's exactly what you want. You want a coach that's willing to work with you and allow you to feel things out and play through mistakes early on. It's been a home run in that area.
For those who haven't seen your game, what can you bring to the Gophers?
I can definitely bring some versatility this year in all aspects of the game, especially defense. I can guard the ball and guard 1-4. On the offensive side, I can add in all areas, I can shoot the ball, drive it and score out of the mid-range. If you put a label on me, I'd say versatility.
You're a sophomore and played high-level basketball last year. How did that first year help you to play here at Minnesota?
That experience was a very hard experience, but I really learned so much. Like you said, it's a high-level program with high expectations. I learned a lot about how to take care of my body and how to approach practice. It helped me realize the work ethic it takes, especially on the defensive end. My defensive game really got a lot better than where it was in high school. Although that experience was hard, it was invaluable and I learned so many lessons. I'm definitely going to take those lessons and apply them here. Hopefully we just gel as a team and take off.
What sports did you play growing up and when did basketball become the focus for you?
I played football and baseball, along with basketball growing up. Early on in third grade, I knew basketball was my favorite. It was a sport my dad played growing up and fell in love with it early. I quit football in seventh grade and baseball in eighth grade and decided to focus on basketball. My goal was always to play Division I basketball.
Best sports memory playing in or watching?
I'm going back to just last year. We played at Madison Square Garden against Duke. I hadn't been playing all that much and was subbed into the game with 12 minutes left. I was matched up with Cam Boozer, who's going to be one of the top picks in the NBA Draft this year. We were down in that game and ended up coming back and winning. I just thought that moment was so special. You're playing such a storied program and playing at MSG, that was a really cool experience and one of my favorite moments.
The Special Olympics is on campus this week and in the past, you've volunteered with them. Talk about what you did and that experience?
I think it's super cool that we have events like that here in Minneapolis and I have volunteered with them in the past and I really enjoyed it and it's an organization that I'd love to continue to work with now that I'm back here in Minnesota. It's a cool opportunity and I'd love to be a part of that.
When you worked with them, were you a coach?
I volunteered with them in a couple sports. When I was with them for basketball, I was a volunteer coach, but unfortunately we never made it to Target Center. Maybe Orono will make it there one day. I also was an assistant player for their flag football team. I had a blast. I'd definitely like to continue to be a part of it.
What are you most excited for this upcoming season?
This team is so well gelled together already. I was just talking about it with the other guys. I just can't wait to be a part of a team that's super close and comes into the gym that has energy and fun. Obviously you have to work very hard, but it's easier to work hard when you're having fun every day doing it. That team chemistry is going to be fun to be a part of this year.
Favorite Food: Buffalo Chicken Wings
Best Minnesota summer pastime go to: It's a tie between golfing or going on Lake Minnetonka.
Game Day Basketball Shoe Pick: I get to have Nikes again this year. I may have to go with the Kobes or the GT Cuts. But for game days, probably gotta go with some Kobes.
Best Movie or TV Show: The Godfather. Shout out to my dad, John Groves.
Favorite NBA Team or Player: The Wolves and Anthony Edwards.
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