Akron Zips men's basketball coach John Groce received his latest contract extension after 3 NCAA Tournament trips in 4 years.

It was a good season for the Akron Zips men's basketball program, which has been a part of a really good run for head coach John Groce. The Zips went 28-7 with a 17-1 record within MAC play.

Akron Zips coach John Groce has a moment to himself in an empty Rocket Arena before the Mid-American Conference Tournament championship game March 15, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Akron Zips head coach John Groce smiles as he speaks to his team and fans during the Akron Zips' watch party for the NCAA Tournament Selection Show at James A. Rhodes Arena, Sunday, March 17, 2024 ...

So when a reporter asked Akron coach John Groce about his team's schedule after their 93-65 blowout loss to Arizona in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, it was a fair question.

Groce said it’s a young and undersized team with a lot of offensive firepower led by senior guard Joseph Young, who is averaging 20.4 points a game and has hit 39 of 41 free throws.

John Kinney of Decatur was one of many on hand to hear Groce speak. He said he's retired now and had never been to a Chamber event, and also wanted to show his support for Groce.

CHAMPAIGN — Coach John Groce is fond of themes, slogans and buzzwords and he’s found one he hopes suits his Illini basketball team this summer. After a tumultuous 2015-16 season that seemed to ...

CHAMPAIGN, ILL. • Coach John Groce dangled some teases Tuesday but he guarded the specifics of the “changes” he’ll weave into the Illini basketball lineup Wednesday night against Michigan.

CHAMPAIGN — Illini basketball coach John Groce finds himself with three open scholarships following Friday’s news that current players Mike Shaw, Devin Langford and Ibby Djimde will transfer.