Virginia Officially Signs Oklahoma Transfer Forward Jake Groves

"Jake is a skilled forward and excellent 3-point shooter. He also brings leadership and experience," said Tony Bennett
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Virginia has officially signed Oklahoma graduate transfer forward Jake Groves, UVA head coach Tony Bennett announced on Thursday afternoon. 

“We are excited to add Jake to our program,” said Bennett. “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.”

A 6'9", 216-pound forward from Spokane, Washington, Groves began his career at Eastern Washington, where he played two seasons before transferring to Oklahoma for the past two years. Last season, Groves averaged 6.8 points and 2.5 rebounds in 32 games played, including 22 starts. He shot 38.1% from three-point range and 43.8% from the field. 

Groves has had many high-scoring performances against a high level of competition, beginning with a 23-point, nine-rebound performance in Eastern Washington's near upset over Kansas in the 2021 NCAA Tournament. He also tallied 15 points against Baylor and 17 points against Texas during Big 12 play last season. His career-high is a 26-point showing against Central Arkansas last season. 

Groves announced his commitment to UVA on Tuesday following an official visit over the weekend and he has now signed a financial aid agreement to come to Virginia for his fifth and final season of college basketball. 

“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!”

Virginia is adding four transfers to its roster for the 2023-2024 season: Jake GrovesAndrew Rohde, Jordan Minor, and Dante Harris, who transferred to Virginia from Georgetown back in December.

Keep track of all of Virginia's movement in the transfer portal here: Virginia Basketball Transfer Portal Updates


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Matt Newton
MATT NEWTON

Matt launched Virginia Cavaliers On SI in August of 2021 and has since served as the site's publisher and managing editor, covering all 23 NCAA Division I sports teams at the University of Virginia. He is from Downingtown, Pennsylvania and graduated from UVA in May of 2021.