Akron Basketball 2025-26 Preview: John Groce’s Zips Return Championship Core, Eye NCAA Breakthrough

The Quiet Powerhouse in the MAC

When you talk about coaches who don’t just win games but build programs with integrity, John Groce has to be in that conversation. At Akron, he’s done what most mid-major coaches only dream about—taking a program that often flies under the radar and turning it into a consistent standard of excellence in the MAC.

Last season’s run said it all: a school-record 28 wins, a dominant 17–1 conference finish, and both the regular season and tournament crowns. That doesn’t happen by accident. That happens when a coach creates a culture where players believe in one another, compete every day, and trust the process.

Groce has been doing this for nearly three decades, and everywhere he’s been, the results follow. Twenty postseason trips in 25 years. Six regular season championships. Nine tournament titles. A Sweet 16. An Elite Eight. A National Runner-Up. That’s not luck—that’s a pattern of winning, teaching, and building.

But beyond the numbers, what stands out is how people inside the game describe him. “John Groce wins with class and dignity, while positively impacting all those around him,” said Rick Boyages, longtime Big Ten executive and now with CollegeInsider.com. “His enthusiasm is infectious, his work ethic tireless, and he creates a family-first environment that brings out the best in his teams.”

That’s the essence of Akron under Groce: a program that doesn’t need headlines to validate its success. They operate quietly, efficiently, and with a clear identity that reflects the man in charge. For basketball insiders, scouts, and evaluators, the Zips are more than just a tough out—they’re a program built the right way, with a head coach who has proven that winning and integrity can go hand in hand.

Head Coach

🔎 Unit 1 Hoop Source Scouting Report – Akron Zips 2025-26

The defending MAC Champions return a strong nucleus of proven veterans while adding transfers and freshmen who give this roster balance, depth, and upside. Continuity is the headline — with most of last year’s rotation back, Akron enters the new season as the clear favorite in the MAC and a dangerous mid-major with national upset potential.

🔑 Key Returning Players

Tavari Johnson – G – Sr. – 6’0″, 170 lbs.
2024-25: 13.0 PPG, 3.8 APG – First-Team All-MAC

🎯 Reliable scorer with a polished mid-range and improved three-point touch.
🧠 Steady floor leader who controls tempo and creates in big moments.
⚔️ Competitive defender at the point of attack.
⭐ Emotional heartbeat; decision to return from the portal is program-changing.
▲ Needs to cut down turnovers against pressure defenses.

Shammah Scott – G – Gr. – 6’2″, 200 lbs.
2024-25: 9.4 PPG, 2.7 APG – MAC Sixth Man of the Year

🚀 Instant offense and energy off the bench or in a starting role.
🎯 Reliable perimeter shooter who thrives on catch-and-shoot.
🔁 Combo-guard versatility makes him valuable across lineups.
▲ Shot selection needs tightening late in games.

Amani Lyles – F – Sr. – 6’9″, 240 lbs.

🧱 Physical presence with strong rebounding instincts.
⚔️ Solid post defender who holds the paint.
🔁 Screen-setter and finisher in pick-and-roll action.
▲ Limited offensive range; work comes mostly around the rim.

Marvin Musiime-Kamali – F – R-So. – 6’6″, 195 lbs.

🔁 Versatile forward who can slide between the 3 and 4.
🚀 Mobile athlete with defensive upside.
🎯 Capable of hitting spot threes when confident.
▲ Needs consistency offensively.

Bowen Hardman – G – Jr. – 6’3″, 190 lbs.

🎯 Perimeter shooter who stretches the defense.
🧠 Understands spacing and timing.
⚔️ Needs lateral quickness to defend at higher levels.

Sharron Young – G – So. – 6’0″, 160 lbs.

🚀 Quick burst downhill; transition weapon.
🎯 Developing jumper; rim-attacking mindset.
▲ Still adjusting to the college pace.

🔄 Incoming Players

Cody Head – G – Jr. (Arkansas State / Lipscomb)
2024-25 (Arkansas State): 2.5 PPG in 19 games

🎯 Scoring flashes at Lipscomb (8.3 PPG as a freshman).
🔁 Rotational depth piece.
▲ Must carve a role in crowded backcourt.

Evan Mahaffey – G – 6’6″, 215 lbs.

🧱 Physical frame; defensive stopper profile.
🔁 Size and length give him versatility.
▲ Offensive polish will determine his minutes.

Chabi Barre – F

🧱 Physical size and length; potential as energy big.
▲ Needs time to adjust to system play.

Ognjen Stankovic – G – 6’8″, 205 lbs.

🔁 Rare size at guard; matchup weapon.
🎯 Potential to exploit smaller defenders.
▲ Must adapt to American pace and physicality.

Josh Henderson – G – Fr. – 6’5″, 170 lbs.

🚀 Athletic guard with slashing potential.
🎯 Developing jumper; long-term upside.

Tai Perkins – G – Fr. – 6’0″, 150 lbs.

🧠 Smart, crafty guard with vision.
▲ Needs physical strength to defend consistently.
Additional Returning / Developmental Players
Rich Brisco – F – R-Fr – 6’8″, 240 lbs.
🧱 Strong interior frame with rebounding potential.
⚔️ Can provide toughness and rim presence in short stints.
🔁 Energy big who can battle on the glass.
▲ Still raw offensively; needs polish in post moves.
▼ Conditioning and footwork will be tested at D-I pace.
Eric Mahaffey – G – R-Fr – 6’6″, 200 lbs.
🔁 Positional versatility at guard/wing; good length.
🚀 Athletic upside allows him to defend multiple positions.
🧠 Shows feel as a developing guard.
▲ Must tighten ball-handling and shot creation.
▼ Likely rotational depth while he develops.
Conner Groce – G – R-Fr – 6’0″, 165 lbs.
🧠 High basketball IQ; son of head coach John Groce, understands system.
🎯 Capable spot shooter in practice settings.
⚔️ Needs physical strength to defend and contribute in games.
▼ Walk-on role; likely minimal minutes early.
Zach Halligan – W – R-So – 6’5″, 210 lbs.
🧱 Solid wing frame with potential to rebound and provide size.
⚔️ Competes on defense and adds toughness.
🔁 Depth option at the wing spot.
▲ Must improve shooting consistency to expand his role.
▼ Faces uphill battle for heavy minutes behind veteran core.

📝 Final Take – Akron 2025-26

Akron enters the new season with continuity few mid-majors can match. With Tavari Johnson back to lead the offense, Shammah Scott’s scoring punch, and Amani Lyles anchoring the paint, the Zips return the backbone of a championship roster. Add in Musiime-Kamali’s versatility, Hardman’s perimeter shooting, and Young’s developmental upside, and Groce has a deep core he trusts.

Transfers like Mahaffey and Stankovic bring size and defensive versatility, while freshmen Henderson and Perkins provide a glimpse of Akron’s future.

The Zips have already proven they can dominate the MAC. The next step is national — breaking through with the program’s first NCAA Tournament victory. With a veteran head coach in Groce and a roster full of experience, this season offers their best chance yet.

Projection: Akron once again sits atop the MAC hierarchy and looks like a dangerous mid-major on the national radar — experienced, disciplined, and led by one of the most respected coaches in the country.

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