Summit County Officials Recognize Championship Season and NCAA Tournament Appearance
At its April 28th Council Meeting, Summit County Council honored The University of Akron Men’s Basketball Team on its outstanding 2024-25 season, which included both a regular season and Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship and a berth in the NCAA “March Madness” Tournament, where the Zips competed as the 13th seed in the West Regional in Seattle, Washington.
The 2024-25 Akron team completed one of the best seasons in school history, finishing with a 28-7 record, including an undefeated 16-0 mark at home and a 20-1 record in the Mid-American Conference. The season culminated in a thrilling come-from-behind 76-74 victory over Miami of Ohio to capture the program’s sixth Mid-American Conference Tournament title and seventh NCAA Tournament berth at Rocket Arena on Saturday, March 15.
Under the leadership of Coach John Groce, who entered his eighth season at Akron with a 140-81 overall record, the team has excelled. Coming into the 2024-25 season, the Zips were 81-48 under Groce in Mid-American Conference play, and 52-22 over the last three years, owning the best winning percentage (.743) in the league.
The team was led by MAC Player of the Year, Nate Johnson, who averaged 14.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists this past season. Other key contributors included MAC Tournament MVP Tavari Johnson (13 points, 4 assists), Senior Post James Okonkwo (who led the team in rebounding), Junior Power Forward Amani Lyles (who led the team in blocked shots), Seniors Isaiah Gray (10 points, 5 rebounds), Shammah Scott (9 points, 46 three-pointers) and Seth Wilson (6 points, 54 three-pointers). Juniors Josiah Harris (9 points, 5 rebounds), Bowen Hardman (7 points, 65 three-pointers) and Freshman Sharron Young (8 points, 45 three-pointers) also made significant contributions.
Redshirt Freshman Marvin Musiime-Kamali and Senior Evan Wilson were also vital to the team’s success whenever called upon. The team set several program records including most wins in a regular season, and Coach Groce was named the Hugh Durham National Mid-Major Coach of the Year.
“We congratulate this outstanding team and Coach Groce on a season of excellence,” said Councilman John Schmidt, who presented the Commendation to Coach Groce and the team. “Their dedication, determination, teamwork and exceptional effort made for a season to remember for Zips fans everywhere – in Akron, Summit County and beyond.”
