Orono’s Nolan Groves, Minnesota’s Gatorade Player of the Year, has reopened his recruitment. The Gophers have extended an offer
Orono High School’s Nolan Groves, recently named Minnesota’s Gatorade Player of the Year, is reopening his recruitment after decommitting from Yale. Groves originally committed last June when Yale was his only Division I offer, but a breakout senior season changed everything.
He led the state in scoring, averaging 34.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals per game over 29 games, and carried Orono to the Class 3A state tournament. His rapid development made him reconsider his college choice.
“He just kept getting better, and eventually told me he felt he could play at a higher level,” Orono coach Barry Wohler told the Pioneer Press. “A few months later, he decommitted, and now the offers are rolling in.”
As of this week, Groves has received scholarship offers from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Texas Tech. Interest from the Gophers picked up after new head coach Niko Medved took over. “Ben Johnson showed zero interest, and it’s unfortunate,” Wohler said. “Niko wants him bad.”
Groves is scheduled to visit Texas Tech on Thursday and Minnesota on Monday. A visit to Wisconsin is possible, but not confirmed. Wohler said Groves hopes to make a decision within the next few weeks.
One consideration is NIL support — Minnesota’s program reportedly lags behind Texas Tech’s and potentially Wisconsin’s. NIL was a factor in point guard Elijah Hawkins’ transfer from Minnesota to Texas Tech last year. However, Wohler emphasized that Groves’ decision will be about more than money.
“What matters most is the fit with the coaching staff and the team,” Wohler said. “He’s a true combo guard — he can handle the ball, score at all three levels, and defend. He’s physically ready to contribute as a freshman.”
Groves was a late bloomer, starting high school at 5’10” and growing to 6’5″ before his senior year. That’s when he truly took off, scoring 40 or more points in nine games, including a 57-point performance against St. Louis Park.
“He had an incredible year,” Wohler said. “He carried us offensively, but his leadership, mindset, and work ethic set him apart. He never let us take a night off.”
Groves, also a Mr. Basketball finalist and 4.4 GPA student, was recognized for his community service, including coaching Special Olympics basketball. Clemson showed some interest as well, though no official offer has been reported.
As Wohler summed up: “He’s one of the best competitors I’ve ever coached. And now the competition to land him is just getting started.
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