Minnesota’s Gatorade Player of the Year Nolan Groves Commits to Texas Tech: A Game-Changing Move for the Red Raiders……………..
Minnesota’s Gatorade Player of the Year Nolan Groves Commits to Texas Tech: A Game-Changing Move for the Red Raiders……………..
In one of the most high-impact recruiting wins of the offseason, Texas Tech basketball has officially secured a commitment from Minnesota’s 2025 Gatorade Player of the Year, Nolan Groves. The 6-foot-5 standout from Orono High School announced his decision following a successful official visit to Lubbock, signaling a major recruiting victory for head coach Grant McCasland and the Red Raiders’ program.
Groves, widely regarded as one of the most versatile and dynamic high school players in the country, had originally committed to Yale in 2024. However, after reopening his recruitment in April 2025, he quickly became one of the most sought-after names on the market. With offers from major programs including Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, Groves ultimately chose Texas Tech—a decision that could have long-term implications for the trajectory of the Red Raiders basketball program.
A Dominant Force in Minnesota High School Basketball
Groves’ senior season was nothing short of sensational. He averaged a jaw-dropping 34.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals per game. His ability to impact the game on all fronts helped lead Orono to a deep run in the Class 3A state tournament, where they reached the semifinals. Beyond the stats, Groves demonstrated poise, leadership, and a basketball IQ far beyond his years.
The Gatorade Player of the Year honor solidified Groves’ status as the premier high school player in the state of Minnesota. This accolade not only speaks to his on-court excellence but also his off-court character and academic standing—a combination that made him a dream recruit for many programs.
Recruitment Rollercoaster
Initially, Groves committed to Yale in June 2024, prioritizing elite academics and the Ivy League experience. However, the pull of playing at a higher competitive level in a Power Five conference eventually led him to reconsider. Once he reopened his recruitment, the phone didn’t stop ringing.
Texas Tech, led by Coach McCasland, moved swiftly and strategically. While Minnesota, under new head coach Niko Medved, tried to make a late push after years of missing out on top in-state talent, it was too little, too late. The Gophers’ lack of early interest during former coach Ben Johnson’s tenure reportedly played a role in Groves’ decision to look elsewhere.
A Visit That Sealed the Deal
Groves’ official visit to Texas Tech was nothing short of transformative. He and his family were hosted by Coach McCasland himself, who held a personal dinner at his home. It was during that time that Groves began to feel a deep sense of connection to the coaching staff and vision of the program.
“The way Coach McCasland laid out the plan for my development from day one, the honesty, and the personal connection—it all just clicked,” Groves told local media after his visit. “It felt like family, and I knew I could grow here—not just as a player, but as a person.”
McCasland’s reputation for developing guard talent and his commitment to building a family-oriented team culture resonated deeply with the Groves family. The staff’s transparency about expectations, growth opportunities, and a clear path to impact in his freshman year proved critical in Groves’ final decision.
Strategic Pipeline
This recruitment success was also facilitated through strong relationships. Texas Tech’s ties with Teddy Archer of TAA Sports, who also represents players like Eemeli Yalaho and Federiko Federiko, helped open doors and foster trust between Groves’ camp and the Red Raiders’ staff. It’s a growing example of how strategic partnerships and strong recruiting infrastructure can produce elite results.
What Groves Brings to Texas Tech
With Groves, Texas Tech is not just getting a high-volume scorer—they’re adding a complete player. He has the handles of a point guard, the shot mechanics of a seasoned perimeter shooter, and the physicality to finish through contact. He defends with tenacity, sees the floor exceptionally well, and plays with a level of composure that makes him a natural leader.
His ability to play both on and off the ball will allow him to integrate seamlessly into McCasland’s system. More importantly, his leadership and winning mentality could elevate the program’s culture and competitiveness in the always-demanding Big 12.
Looking Ahead
Groves’ commitment is a powerful statement for Texas Tech: the Red Raiders are no longer just a gritty defensive squad; they’re becoming a destination for elite offensive talent. For Groves, it’s an opportunity to compete on one of college basketball’s biggest stages and prepare for the next level with a program that believes in his potential.
With the 2025 recruiting class taking shape and momentum building, this could be the start of something special in Lubbock. The Red Raiders didn’t just land a player—they landed a program-changer.
