Who’s Hoo? Q & A with Jake Groves

Graduate student Jake Groves transferred 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).

“I felt at home when visiting UVA right away,” Groves said in April. “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!”

Groves visited with VirginiaSports.com in a recent interview before the start of official practice this fall.

Q: Why did you choose to transfer to Virginia?
Groves: I wanted to come to a program that wins and has an established culture.

Q: What’s the best part about playing at UVA so far?
Groves: Getting to know all my teammates and coaches as well as meeting some of the awesome fans.

Q: What can fans expect from you this season?
Groves: A tough kid who makes shots and does whatever it takes for his team to win.

Q: What NBA player do you model your game after and why?
Groves: Duncan Robinson and his shot making ability.

Q: What has been the best moment in your basketball career so far?
Groves: Winning the Big Sky Championship in 2021 and going to the NCAA Tournament.

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals or a go-to pregame meal?
Groves: I take an hour long pre-game nap.

Q: If you could play one other sport besides basketball, what would it be and why?
Groves: Golf because it’s fun, outdoors, and not incredibly taxing on your body.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Groves: I enjoy hanging out with friends, golfing and fishing.

Q: Use one word to describe your shoe game.
Groves: Decent.

Q: If you could swap lives with a teammate for a day, who would it be and why?
Groves: Ryan Dunn, so I could have elite shoe game!

Q: Who would play you in a movie?
Groves: Will Ferrell.