University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Get to Know Men's Basketball's Winters Grady
8/3/2026 10:20:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Winters Grady is in his redshirt sophomore year at Minnesota. As a true freshman, Grady played at Michigan where he saw action in nine games and missed a majority of the season due to injury. Hailing from Tualatin, Ore., Grady played there before transferring to Prolific Prep (Calif.) for two seasons. Grady was a Top 100 recruit (ESPN - 86, Rivals - 41, On3 - 60, and 247 Sports - 78). He helped Prolific Prep reach the Chipotle Nationals in both seasons (2024, '25). As a senior (2024-25), averaged 17.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists, and led Prolific Prep to a 35-6 record and second straight qualification to the Chipotle Nationals. Get to know Winters in the recent question/answer session.
Why Minnesota?
Ultimately, it came down to relationships. I had a pre-existing relationship with (assistant coach) Aaron Katsuma when he was at New Mexico and Coach Niko Medved when he was at Colorado State. My dad went to CSU so there were already some ties. I was also somewhat familiar with his system and how they played before I came due to my dad being an alum and watching games. We went to a couple games at CSU so I knew how they played as a team.
What have you learned so far these summer months from this coaching staff?
Really just dialing into the system. It's a unique, complex system and being able to come in, learn something new every single day in the gym and by watching film. I'm learning a lot and getting better.
You came from a high level program playing at Michigan last year. How can you apply that experience to this year at Minnesota?
The transfer portal is unique because it raises college basketball. There are so many players coming from so many different systems as well as coaches who have different areas of focus so you learn new things. Going back to your question, I just want to bring that winning culture to the team. We have to compete in every single practice.
For those who haven't seen you play, describe your game and what they can expect from you?
I'm a competitor and I want to do whatever it takes to win, whatever that looks like. I play hard and I can put the ball in the basket at a high level.
What other sports did you play and when did you focus on basketball?
I played a number of different sports growing up: baseball, soccer, golf, but once I reached about seventh or eighth grade is when I started playing basketball more. My dad and I keyed in on basketball around COVID-19 time and realized this is what I love.
Tell us about Tualatin a little about your hometown; location, and what makes it special to you?
I love where I grew up. It's about 30 minutes in the suburbs outside of Portland. All my day ones are from Tualatin. We had an AAU team that we played on called FAST Basketball. Growing up, we had an 8-10 man rotation and we were each other from second grade to eighth grade. Seven out of the eight went Division I and another was a high level marketer at a high level college. I owe everything to Tualatin and my friends. How you grow up is so important, the people that you surround yourself with and close friendships you build. All we did was compete every single day.
You obviously know Malick Kordel, but how have you been able to get to know your new teammates?
I've been golfing a lot with some of my teammates this summer. I went golfing with Isaac a few times, as well as Nolen Anderson and Nolan Groves. Just trying to get to know people off the court this summer.
What's the best piece of advice you've gotten this summer?
I actually got it from (athletic trainer) Ryan Dotson and coach Medved. We really key in on rest, recovery and keeping up with your body. I'm in the gym. Half of the battle is making sure you're fresh, hydrated and do what it takes to be ready for the next practice.
What are you most looking forward to this upcoming season?
I'm excited. I want to prove that we are a high-level team and we can consistently win at a high level. For me personally, I'm excited to get back out onto the court. It's been a while since my senior year in high school to really compete in a streamed or televised game. There's nothing more I love than that: the bright lights, the stage and being able to go out and show what you worked so hard to do.
Favorite Food: Pasta. Any type, but spaghetti and meatballs.
Favorite thing to do off the court: Golf. I've gone to a good amount so far, I even went to the 3M Open recently as well.
Favorite Nike Shoe: Kobes
Who inspires you: My dad.
If you weren't playing basketball you'd be: Easy, golf.
Favorite NBA Player: Devon Booker