Inside Akron basketball coaching change with John Groce, Zips AD

Former University of Akron men’s basketball coach John Groce said he is reflecting on his nine seasons at the helm of the Zips “with a smile,” adding it wasn’t “easy” during an emotional time to inform his players on March 30 he would leave for a job at the College of Charleston.

“I ended up talking to all those guys directly,” Groce said. “I thought that was really important. I wanted them to hear from me. Obviously, I love all those guys dearly. I care for them a lot. We’ve been through a lot together.”

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Groce and Akron athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich spoke to the Beacon Journal by phone about Groce leaving to become the men’s basketball coach at Charleston and the Zips quickly hiring longtime UA assistant Dustin Ford as Groce’s successor.

Here are highlights from those conversations:

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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo

Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) is mobbed by teammates after his game winner to secure the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo

Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) is mobbed by teammates after his game winner to secure the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo

Akron Zips head coach John Groce plays up to the cameras as he accepts the Mid-American Conference championship after beating the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo

Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott hugs his family after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo

Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) reacts at the end of the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/inside-akron-basketball-coaching-change-100534474.html

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Publish date : 2026-03-31 10:05:00

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