Cortez Groves

Born:  March 25, 1978- Kansas City, MO

High School: Raytown High School (Raytown, Missouri) 1992-1996

Colleges:  Moberly Area Community College (Moberly, MO) 1996-1998
                   Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS) 1998-2000

Cortez Groves played Division I Basketball for the Kansas State Wildcats his junior and senior seasons. He was recognized by receiving the Dean Harris Newcomer of the Year Award after his junior season. During his senior season, Cortez showcased his scoring ability by averaging over 16 points per game and was named to the Big 12 All-Conference Team (Honorable Mention).

In 2000, Cortez began his professional career with the Salina Rattlers (Salina, KS) of the International Basketball Association (IBA). In one season with the Rattlers, Cortez averaged 18.5 points per game and 4.7 rebounds per game. His next two seasons were spent with Maurienne Savoie Basket (France) in the Pro B League.

The majority of Cortez’s professional career has been spent in the Australian Basketball League (NBL). He has played for the Wallongong Hawks, the South Dragons, and most recently, the Adelaide 36ers. In 2003, Cortez was selected to the All-NBL Third Team. In 2006, Cortez earned the honor of being the NBL Scoring Champion. He also was selected to the All-NBL First Team, played in the All-Star Game and competed in the NBL Slam Dunk Contest. Honors continued to follow Cortez in 2007 when he was selected to the All-NBL Second Team. His last season (2009-10) was played with the Adelaide 36ers. Cortez is currently unsigned for the 2010-11 season and is contemplating retirement from professional basketball.