The Akron Zips men’s basketball team is riding a wave of momentum after making three trips to the NCAA Tournament in the last four years. However, the team faces new challenges as it prepares for the 2025-26 season, following a disappointing exit from March Madness, where they suffered a 93-65 loss to top-seeded Arizona on March 21, 2025.
The Zips season ended in the first round of the NCAA Tournament held in Seattle, but not without leaving an impressive mark on the program. Under head coach John Groce, the team boasted a record 28 wins and secured their second consecutive Mid-American Conference (MAC) Tournament title this past season.
In the wake of the NCAA loss, several key players have expressed their intentions to return for another season. Notably, redshirt junior guard Nate Johnson, along with junior guard Tavari Johnson, senior guard Shammah Scott, senior forward James Okonkwo, and junior forward Amani Lyles announced on March 23, 2025, that they plan to return to the Zips.
“After our season ended, I believe we have a lot to build on and I’m excited for what’s to come”, said Nate Johnson, the reigning Mid-American Conference Player of the Year, who has also earned accolades as the MAC Defensive Player of the Year and the MAC Tournament Most Valuable Player. Johnson and Tavari Johnson were both All-MAC first-team selections this past season and played a pivotal role in the team’s success.
On social media, the cohort of returning players shared graphics saying “Back To Work,” reflecting their commitment to the program as they look to build on their recent successes. The list of players indicating they will return includes:
- Redshirt junior guard Nate Johnson
- Junior guard Tavari Johnson
- Senior forward James Okonkwo
- Senior guard Shammah Scott
- Junior forward Amani Lyles
- Junior guard Bowen Hardman
- Freshman guard Sharron Young
- Sophomore wing Zach Halligan
- Redshirt freshman wing Marvin Musiime-Kamali
- Freshman forward Rich Brisco
- Freshman guard Eric Mahaffey
The only players yet to announce their intentions for next season are junior wing Josiah Harris and freshman guard Conner Groce. Harris, who started all six games in which he appeared this past season, was sidelined due to an injury. Groce, redshirted as a walk-on freshman, is also the son of coach John Groce.
As the transfer portal officially opens on March 24, the team is keenly aware of its implications. The NCAA has reduced the transfer portal window to just 30 days, closing on April 22, 2025. This accelerated timeline adds urgency as college basketball teams look to solidify their rosters for the upcoming season.
The Zips leveraged this portal effectively last year by adding four players who contributed significantly to their success: senior guards Isaiah Gray and Seth Wilson, senior forward James Okonkwo, and junior guard Bowen Hardman. Both Okonkwo and Hardman remain eligible for the next season. It remains to be seen what new talent will join the roster, or if returning players will enhance their skill sets through this opportunity.
The Zips’ narrative continues to be shaped by the balance of returning talent and potential new additions from the transfer portal. As they embark on an off-season of hard work and recruitment, fans are hopeful that Akron can build upon its recent accomplishments. Recognition for a strong season and a framework that retains key players sets a promising foundation going into 2025-26.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming season, the focus will be on how coach Groce manages the challenges of roster changes while maintaining the synergy that carried the Zips to unprecedented successes. The passionate fans of Akron will undoubtedly be watching closely as the team navigates the next chapter in its journey.
