Syracuse Should Consider Three Head Coaching Candidates Before Finalizing Gerry McNamara Hire Bryan Hodgson of South Florida and Josh Schertz of Saint Louis have been removed from Syracuse's list of potential head coaching candidates, with Siena's Gerry McNamara emerging as the leading contender for the Orange's vacant position, at least for now. McNamara has transformed Siena's program in his two seasons at the helm, guiding the Saints to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in program history. The team, which won just four games in the 2024-25 season before his arrival, now faces No. 1 seed Duke in the East Region of the NCAA Tournament as a No. 16 seed. His success has generated buzz for the Syracuse job, though officials may still explore other options. McNamara's rapid turnaround at Siena has been remarkable. After leading the Saints to a 21-13 record in his first season, the program secured an automatic bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament. His ability to elevate a struggling program to national relevance has positioned him as a top candidate for Syracuse, which has struggled to find stability in its coaching ranks. However, the Orange's leadership may weigh other prospects before making a final decision. While hiring McNamara would be a positive move, I personally hope Syracuse's leadership explores other options, though I would fully support him regardless. The decision should prioritize long-term success over short-term hype. Before settling on McNamara, here are three additional candidates who could be viable choices for the Orange. John Groce, the head coach of Akron, has led the Zips to a 29-5 record and an automatic NCAA Tournament bid after winning the Mid-American Conference Tournament.#john_groce #gerry_mcnamara #siena #syracuse #shaheen_holloway
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
Akron Battles Buffalo to Begin the MAC Tournament The University of Akron men’s basketball team will face the Buffalo Bulls in the first round of the 2026 Mid-American Conference Tournament on Thursday, March 12, at 4 p.m. at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The matchup marks the 80th all-time meeting between the two programs, with Akron holding a 46-33 series advantage. Head coach John Groce, who has led the Zips to a 194-93 record at Akron, will face Buffalo’s George Halcovage III, whose team has a 30-63 overall record. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with Michael Reghi and Rhett Boyd calling the action, while fans can listen on WHLO 640 AM with Dave Skoczen and Joe Dunn. Live stats will be available on GoZips.com/coverage. Akron’s recent performance has positioned it as a strong contender in the tournament. The Zips entered the MAC Tournament with a 26-5 overall record and a 17-1 mark in conference play. Their dominance at home has been notable, highlighted by a 31-game winning streak at James A. Rhodes Arena, which they extended with a 94-55 victory over Northern Illinois on March 6. Akron’s offense was explosive, hitting 18 of 27 three-pointers, led by Bowen Hardman’s career-high 20 points. The team also excelled defensively, limiting Northern Illinois to just 19.2% shooting from beyond the arc and 37.9% overall. Five players scored in double figures, including Amani Lyles with 17 points and two steals, and Sharron Young, who added 12 points, six rebounds, and two steals. The Zips’ recent matchup against Buffalo was equally impressive. On February 24, Akron defeated the Bulls 99-85 at home, securing its 30th consecutive home win. Tavari Johnson led the way with 23 points, going 11-of-11 from the free-throw line, while Evan Mahaffey recorded a career-high 20 points and nine rebounds.#mac_tournament #buffalo_bulls #university_of_akron #john_groce #rocket_arena
