Gophers make an offer to Minnesota’s top recruit

Orono Highs Nolan Groves had received only one scholarship offer as of last summer and he took it, committing to Yale in June.

Then in his senior season last winter, he led the state of Minnesota in scoring with 34.1 points per game, adding 8.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 3.0 steals in 29 games.

Groves was named the states Gatorade Player of the Year and led the Spartans to the Class 3A state boys basketball tournament.

With that rise, the combo guard began to wonder.

ADVERTISEMENT He just kept developing as the year went on, and came to me and says, Coach, I just feel like Ive improved a lot.

I just think I can play at a higher level, Orono coach Barry Wohler told the St.

Paul Pioneer Press.

A few months later, he de-committed (from Yale), and they are coming after him.

As of Monday, Groves had received scholarship offers from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Texas Tech.

Maybe the biggest change is the interest from the Gophers since Niko Medved took over as coach late last month.

Ben Johnson showed zero interest, and its unfortunate, Wohler said.

Niko wants him bad.

Groves plan is to visit Texas Tech in Lubbock on Thursday and head to Dinkytown on Monday.

Wohler didnt know if Groves has planned a visit to Madison.

The players goal, Wohler said, is to make a decision in the next few weeks.

One factor is how the Gophers Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) fund trails that of Texas Tech its why point guard Elijah Hawkins left Minnesota for the Red Raiders a year ago and is possibly behind Wisconsins, as well.

But Wholer said Grovers college choice will be about more than money.

I think whats important is the fit with the staff and the players, Wohler said.

I think the style of play of all three teams hell fit.

Hes a true combo guard.

He can handle the ball for you if needed.

He can score at all three levels, and he can guard.

Hes a freshman coming in thats already strong.

A lot of times, that strength can be an issue defensively.

But hes really strong, so I think hell get on the floor.

ADVERTISEMENT Groves lighter recruitment was a byproduct of him being a late bloomer in high school, starting his freshman year at 5-foot-10 and seeing the floor as a 6-1 sophomore because of his shooting ability.

He ticked up to 6-3 as a junior but was not a focal point on summer team JSizzle.

Groves didnt reach his current 6-foot-5, 205-pound frame until before his senior season, and thats when he truly blossomed.

He scored 40 points or more in nine games, including 57 in a win over St.

Louis Park.

He had an amazing year.

He carried us at times offensively.

But his mindset, work ethic and leadership is like nobody Ive ever coached, said Wohler, who is in his 18th year at Orono.

He wouldnt let us have an off game.

Groves was a finalist for the Mr.

Basketball Award that went to Alexandrias Chase Thompson, who is headed to Clemson (the Tigers also showed some interest in Groves, according to 247Sports).

His Gatorade Player of the Year honor came with recognition for a 4.4 grade-point average and volunteering as a Special Olympics basketball coach.

Hes so focused, Wohler said.

Hes a great, great leader.

Hes kind of a quiet leader.

He just probably is the best competitor Ive ever coached.

And the competition to sign him for next year is heating up.

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