Akron men’s basketball seeks to build after March Madness loss

The Akron men’s basketball team faced disappointment after losing in the first round of March Madness for the second year in a row. Their season ended on Friday, but it followed a successful regular season, where they set a school record with 28 wins and won back-to-back MAC Tournament titles. Head coach John Groce praised his team for their achievement, highlighting that they won 20 of their last 22 games. He expressed pride in the character and resilience of his players. The Zips have now participated in the NCAA Tournament seven times, with no wins in those appearances since 1975, when they were in Division II. Looking ahead, Akron faces challenges as they lose three key seniors: Seth Wilson, Isaiah Gray, and Evan Wilson. These players contributed significantly to the team both in points and leadership. Groce emphasized the need to maintain the team's culture and standards despite these losses. Groce, in his eighth season as head coach, has led the team to four straight seasons with 20 or more wins. His leadership has brought stability to the program, which is crucial for player development. Redshirt junior guard Nate Johnson is expected to return next season and is committed to fostering a strong team culture. As the team prepares for the future, they are aware of the potential disruptions from the transfer portal. However, Groce believes that their fast-paced play style is attractive to recruits, which may help them build a strong roster. Overall, the Akron basketball program is in a good position to continue its tradition, thanks to the commitment of both the head coach and returning players. Groce noted that past players have set a good example, helping newcomers adapt to the program’s expectations.