Redshirt Freshman Grayson Grove Seizes Opportunity Amid Injuries

Grove steps up as Gophers' starting center, making the most of increased playing time.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

With several key players out due to injuries, redshirt freshman Grayson Grove has emerged as a bright spot for the Minnesota Gophers men's basketball team. The 6-foot-9, 220-pound center from Alexandria, Minnesota has seized the opportunity, averaging 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2.5 steals per game in the team's last two victories over Oregon and Rutgers.

Why it matters

Grove's breakout performance comes at a crucial time for the Gophers, who have struggled with injuries and roster turnover in head coach Niko Medved's first season. Grove's ability to step up and contribute as a starter has been a silver lining, providing a glimpse of the team's future potential despite the current adversity.

The details

After redshirting last season and seeing limited minutes early this year, Grove has been thrust into the starting center role due to injuries to several key frontcourt players. Despite his smaller stature compared to typical centers, Grove has made the most of his opportunity, showcasing his all-around game and helping the Gophers secure important wins over ranked opponents.

  • Grove played fewer than 10 minutes in three of the first four games he was active this season.
  • Injuries to Robert Vaihola, Jaylen Crocker-Johnson and Nehemiah Turner have made the Gophers severely thin in the frontcourt.
  • Grove has played 38 minutes in back-to-back wins over Oregon and Rutgers.

The players

Grayson Grove

A 6-foot-9, 220-pound redshirt freshman center from Alexandria, Minnesota who has stepped up as a starter for the Minnesota Gophers men's basketball team amid injuries to key players.

Niko Medved

The head coach of the Minnesota Gophers men's basketball team, who is in his first season leading the program.

Robert Vaihola

A key frontcourt player for the Minnesota Gophers who is currently injured.

Jaylen Crocker-Johnson

A key frontcourt player for the Minnesota Gophers who is currently injured.

Nehemiah Turner

A key frontcourt player for the Minnesota Gophers who is currently injured.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When opportunity comes, it's too late to prepare. He just comes every day with a great attitude, ready to work, early in the season. If he was hardly playing or playing a little bit, it never changed the way he approached his daily process. Now he's getting a huge opportunity because of the injuries, and because of that, he's making the most of it.”

— Niko Medved, Head Coach, Minnesota Gophers (si.com)

What’s next

The Gophers will look to continue their momentum with Grove in the starting lineup as they face more Big Ten opponents in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Grayson Grove's breakout performance amid adversity showcases the value of perseverance and preparedness. His ability to seize the opportunity and contribute at a high level despite limited playing time earlier in the season is a testament to his work ethic and commitment to the team.