Akron Coach John Groce Reflects on Career Milestones and NCAA Tournament Hopes John Groce, the head coach of the Akron Zips, is preparing for his fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in five years, with hopes of making a deep run this season. The 54-year-old coach, who was fired from the University of Illinois in 2017, has led Akron to a remarkable run of success in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), including three consecutive tournament titles over the past three seasons. As the Zips gear up for their first-round NCAA Tournament matchup against No. 5 seed Texas Tech, Groce is reflecting on his journey and the lessons learned from his time at Illinois. Groce’s tenure at Illinois was marked by challenges, including a low winning percentage in both the Big Ten and overall (.411 and .559, respectively), which were the worst since Lou Henson took over in 1975. Despite these struggles, Groce remains grateful for the experience, stating, “I’m always open-minded” about future opportunities, though he has yet to secure a new coaching position. His time at Illinois also shaped his coaching philosophy, emphasizing accountability and emotional intelligence. “Through experience, you learn,” he said, noting that his focus has shifted from high-intensity energy to a balance of passion and emotional quotient (EQ). At Akron, Groce has transformed the team’s style of play, moving from a slower, more traditional approach to a faster, more free-flowing system. The Zips have thrived under his leadership, posting a stellar 100-28 record in MAC play over the last seven seasons and a 34-2 mark in the past two years. Their home-court dominance is equally impressive, with 31 straight wins at the Rubber Bowl and 43 of the last 45 games against MAC opponents.#university_of_illinois #john_groce #akron_zips #mid_americans_confederation #rubber_bowl
John Groce has become a defining figure in Akron Zips basketball history, earning admiration from fans and peers alike for his leadership and success. During the recent Mid-American Conference Tournament, fans impersonated the coach, and Groce embraced the humor, joking about his appearance while expressing gratitude for the support. His ability to connect with players and the community has solidified his role as a beloved figure at Akron. Groce’s coaching resume is unmatched in UA’s Division I basketball history, with three consecutive MAC Tournament titles and three NCAA Tournament appearances. His team, ranked No. 12, faces Texas Tech in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, marking another milestone in a season that has already seen Akron dominate the MAC. Despite challenges, including setbacks from rival teams like Kent State and Miami, Groce’s strategic acumen and work ethic have kept the Zips competitive. The coach’s influence extends beyond the court. He has leveraged the Fear the Roo Collective, a local initiative founded by Bud Wentz, to attract top talent in the NIL and transfer portal era. While other MAC teams have strong rosters, Groce has maximized his resources, elevating the program to new heights. His partnership with Wentz has been crucial in maintaining Akron’s status as a MAC powerhouse. Despite his success, Groce’s national recognition remains limited. His NCAA Tournament record stands at 4-6, with notable losses in high-stakes games. However, his ability to lead Akron to three straight MAC titles and NCAA berths has earned him respect as a mid-major standout. Coaches like Rob Senderoff have acknowledged his achievements, even as they highlight the advantages Akron has in financial resources.#john_groce #akron_zips #mid_americans_confederation_tournament #fear_the_roo_collective #bud_wentz
Buffalo Bulls vs. Akron Zips prediction, pick for NCAAM on Thursday 3/12/26 The MAC Tournament kicks off on Thursday, with the second game of the day featuring a matchup between second-seeded Akron and seventh-seeded Buffalo. Akron, a dark horse in the March Madness race, enters as 12.5-point favorites (-118) over the Bulls, with the total set at 159.5 points. The Zips will need to secure a win to advance in the tournament, while Buffalo aims to upset a top-tier mid-major team. Buffalo has undergone a significant turnaround this season, improving its win total by eight games. Head coach George Halcovage has implemented an uptempo style of play, leading the Bulls to a 115.4 offensive rating and a fourth-best adjusted offensive efficiency in the MAC. Key contributors include junior Ryan Sabol, who averages 18.7 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game. However, the absence of leading scorer Daniel Freitag, who is sidelined with a head injury, poses a challenge. Freitag’s absence leaves only Angelo Brizzi (14.4 points per game) as a consistent offensive threat, and the Bulls struggle in low-scoring games, surrendering an 80+ point margin in four of their last eight contests. Akron, meanwhile, has emerged as a strong contender in the MAC. Despite a three-point loss to #20 Miami OH, the Zips remain undefeated in conference play and boast a +13.50 net rating, the 59th-best in college basketball. Their offensive prowess is highlighted by guard Tavari Johnson, who leads the conference with 20.2 points per game on 52/37/90 shooting splits. Johnson is supported by a deep roster, including Amani Lyles (14.8 PPG) and Shammah Scott (12.6 PPG). Akron’s three-point shooting remains a strength, ranking seventh nationally at 39.2% from long range, which could be a key factor against Buffalo’s 37.9% accuracy.#buffalo_bulls #akron_zips #george_halcovage #ryan_sabol #daniel_freitag
