Virginia gets visit from former Oklahoma starting forward Groves

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Virginia is strong in the running for Oklahoma transfer forward Jacob Groves, who visited Charlottesville over last weekend with his family.

Groves appeared in 32 games for the Sooners and started 22, averaging 6.8 points, 2.5 rebound and 0.8 assists, scoring in double figures nine times. He had a bit of a roller-coaster season in that he was one of Oklahoma’s best shooters prior to Big 12 conference play last season, but fell into a terrible slump at season’s end.

Early on last season, Groves was shooting 51.7 percent from the floor and 42.5 from the 3-point arc, including a 17-point performance (5 of 9 from beyond the arc) against Texas in the conference opener.

He also had 16 points against Nebraska (7 of 12 FG), 14 vs. Villanova (5 of 8) and 10 vs. Seton Hall (three 3-pointers), but put up 26 against Central Arkansas (10-13, four 3-pointers).

As a junior, he played in 34 games for the Sooners and started 12. Prior to his junior year he played in 48 games his first two seasons at Eastern Washington. He is originally from Spokane.

Groves was a CSC Academic All-District team member.

He and his family reportedly loved their trip to Virginia and spending time with Tony Bennett and staff.