Men’s Basketball Adds Oklahoma Graduate Transfer Jake Groves

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Dean and Markel Families Men’s Head Basketball Coach Tony Bennett announced Thursday (April 27) the addition of graduate transfer forward Jake Groves (Spokane, Wash.) to the Cavaliers’ program.

Groves has signed a financial aid agreement and is transferring to Virginia after playing two seasons at Oklahoma (2021-23) and two seasons at Eastern Washington (2019-21).

The 6-foot-9, 216-pound forward averaged 6.8 points and 2.5 rebounds for the Sooners in 2022-23. Groves shot 43.8 percent from the field, including 38.1 percent from 3-point range. He reached double figures in scoring in nine contests, including a career-high 26 points on 10 of 13 shooting against Central Arkansas and 17 points in the Big 12 opener against then-No. 6 Texas (12/31). Groves started the final nine games of his junior season at Oklahoma, averaging 4.6 points and 2.9 rebounds. He registered 15 points and nine rebounds in a win over then-No. 3 Baylor.

Groves played two seasons at Eastern Washington from 2019-22. He averaged 9.3 points and 4.2 rebounds as a sophomore in 2020-21, scoring a season-high 23 points (4 of 5 3-pointers) along with nine rebounds in an NCAA tournament loss to Kansas.

“We are excited to add Jake to our program,” Bennett said. “Jake is a skilled forward and excellent 3-point shooter. He also brings leadership and experience, and we look forward to him joining the Virginia basketball family.”

“I felt at home when visiting UVA right away,” Groves said. “They provided me with an opportunity to get a high-level master’s degree, be part of a winning culture and play for a future Hall of Fame coach in Coach Bennett. I was welcomed with open arms and can’t wait to get on Grounds and get to work this summer!”