Maple Grove Basketball Has State Title Dreams, But Star 7-Footer’s Recruiting Drama Adds Intrigue

MSF Jack Thelen s decision to reopen his recruitment after committing to Wisconsin has attracted attention from UConn, while the Crimson prepare for a potentially special season. Maple Grove enters the 2026-27 Minnesota high school basketball season with the kind of talent that can make a legitimate run at a state championship. But one of the biggest stories surrounding the Crimson has little to do with what happens on the court. Jack Thelen, the 7-foot-1 center and one of Minnesota s top basketball prospects, is back on the recruiting market after backing away from his commitment to Wisconsin. And now, one of college basketball s biggest programs is reportedly showing interest. Thelen, who reopened his recruitment in October, has reportedly made an unofficial visit to UConn, adding another intriguing chapter to a recruitment that already has attracted national attention. For Maple Grove, the timing creates an interesting backdrop. The Crimson are preparing for a