Story by
'It just brings supreme confidence': Akron's John Groce has March Madness upsets on resume
- Story by
- 'It just brings supreme confidence': Akron's John Groce has March Madness upsets on resume
SEATTLE — University of Akron men's basketball coach John Groce has worked some March Madness magic with another Mid-American Conference program, and the Zips are buying into the notion he can do it with them.
Thirteenth-seeded Akron (28-6) hopes to stun No. 4 Arizona (22-12) during a first-round NCAA Tournament game in the East Region at 7:35 p.m. Friday at Climate Pledge Arena.
Advertisement
In Groce's lengthy coaching career, he has been there, done that.
"With him winning those type of games, being in that environment gives the team a lot of confidence that we can definitely replicate and do the same things that he's done in the past, for sure," Zips senior guard Shammah Scott said Thursday before Akron practiced in preparation for Arizona.
At the helm of Akron, Groce has gone 0-2 in March Madness, with the Zips falling 77-60 as a No. 14 seed to No. 3 Creighton last year in Pittsburgh and losing 57-53 as a No. 14 seed to No. 3 UCLA in Portland, Oregon, in 2022.
But when Groce coached the Ohio Bobcats , they were a No. 14 seed when they upset No. 3 Georgetown in the 2010 NCAA Tournament. And in 2012, Groce led No. 13 Ohio to the Sweet 16 with wins over No. 4 Michigan and No. 12 South Florida .
Advertisement
"It should give us a lot of confidence because he's a great coach in basketball, period, and just having that experience means a lot in tournaments, especially March Madness," Akron junior forward Amani Lyles said.
Akron coach John Groce on Thursday, March 20, 2025, during practice at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. The Zips will face Arizona in the NCAA Tournament on Friday.
To be clear, Groce hasn't been dwelling on the past or his coaching resume in conversations with Zips players, which they pointed out. At the same time, they're aware of his background.
"My guess is the guys know that. I don't have to tell them that," Groce said. "We're one of those organizations where I tell guys, 'If you have to tell people all the time how good you are, how well you're playing, then you're not that good and you're not playing that well. Let other people do that stuff for you. You just put your head down and do your job to the best of your ability, and that stuff will naturally occur.'"
Advertisement
More Akron basketball coverage: Zips senior guard Seth Wilson brings pregame tradition inspired by Ric Flair to NCAA Tournament
Akron Zips coach John Groce reacts as his team struggles during the second half of the Mid-American Conference Tournament championship game March 15, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Groce, 53, has been a head coach for 17 seasons — eight at Akron (2017-present), five at Illinois (2012-17) and four at Ohio (2008-12). He has compiled a career record of 348-218, including 4-5 in the NCAA Tournament.
The Zips securing an elusive March Madness win under Groce would be a first for the program and its longtime coach. Akron is 0-6 in Division I NCAA Tournament games (1986, 2009, '11, '13, '22 and '24).
Akron basketball news: Nate Johnson leads the Zips into the NCAA Tournament
Advertisement
Three factors Groce considers keys to winning come tournament time are talented players executing well, preparation and good luck.
The Zips trust their coach has them ready.
"You go into battle knowing that you're well prepared," Akron senior guard Seth Wilson said. "… It just brings supreme confidence."
Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich .
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: John Groce's NCAA Tournament history has Akron confident vs Arizona
