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Akron basketball lands Exavier Wilson in NCAA transfer portal
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- Akron basketball lands Exavier Wilson in NCAA transfer portal
The University of Akron men's basketball program has added Exavier Wilson from the NCAA transfer portal.
Wilson announced his commitment to the Zips on social media on Thursday, April 16, and joins Tahj Staveskie and Max Burton as recent transfers for Akron and coach Dustin Ford .
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Wilson is a 6-foot-1, 170-pound guard who will be a redshirt freshman entering the 2026-27 season after not appearing in a game last season at Kansas State University.
More Akron Zips coverage: Akron confident Dustin Ford is right coach to lead Zips men's basketball
From left, University of Akron athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich, Zips men's basketball coach Dustin Ford and UA president R.J. Nemer, pose for a photo during the introduction of Ford as the new Zips coach on April 15, 2026, at House Three Thirty in Akron.
(Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Zippy claps as the new University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford is congratulated by UA President R.J. Nemer at House Three Thirty in Akron on April, 15, 2026.
(Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
From left, University of Akron president R.J. Nemer, Zips men's basketball coach Dustin Ford and athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich take a selfie after the introduction of Ford as the new Zips coach on April 15, 2026, at House Three Thirty in Akron.
(Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
New University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford speaks the event introducing him as the new head coach at House Three Thirty in Akron on April, 15, 2026.
(Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
New University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford listens to UA’s athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich during an event introducing coach Ford at House Three Thirty in Akron on April, 15, 2026.
(Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford talks to Bud Wentz before the event to introduce coach Ford at House Three Thirty in Akron on April 15, 2026.
(Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford applauds as UA President R.J. Nemer is introduced during an event to introduce coach Ford at House Three Thirty in Akron on April, 15, 2026.
(Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
New men's basketball coach Dustin Ford is congratulated by UA president R.J. Nemer at the event to introduce coach Ford at House Three Thirty in Akron on April 15, 2026.
(Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
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UA men's basketball coach Dustin Ford debuts at House Three Thirty
From left, University of Akron athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich, Zips men's basketball coach Dustin Ford and UA president R.J. Nemer, pose for a photo during the introduction of Ford as the new Zips coach on April 15, 2026, at House Three Thirty in Akron.
(Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
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UA men's basketball coach Dustin Ford debuts at House Three Thirty
From left, University of Akron athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich, Zips men's basketball coach Dustin Ford and UA president R.J. Nemer, pose for a photo during the introduction of Ford as the new Zips coach on April 15, 2026, at House Three Thirty in Akron.
(Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
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UA men's basketball coach Dustin Ford debuts at House Three Thirty
Zippy claps as the new University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford is congratulated by UA President R.J. Nemer at House Three Thirty in Akron on April, 15, 2026.
(Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
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UA men's basketball coach Dustin Ford debuts at House Three Thirty
From left, University of Akron president R.J. Nemer, Zips men's basketball coach Dustin Ford and athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich take a selfie after the introduction of Ford as the new Zips coach on April 15, 2026, at House Three Thirty in Akron.
(Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
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UA men's basketball coach Dustin Ford debuts at House Three Thirty
New University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford speaks the event introducing him as the new head coach at House Three Thirty in Akron on April, 15, 2026.
(Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
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UA men's basketball coach Dustin Ford debuts at House Three Thirty
New University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford listens to UA’s athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich during an event introducing coach Ford at House Three Thirty in Akron on April, 15, 2026.
(Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
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UA men's basketball coach Dustin Ford debuts at House Three Thirty
University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford talks to Bud Wentz before the event to introduce coach Ford at House Three Thirty in Akron on April 15, 2026.
(Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
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UA men's basketball coach Dustin Ford debuts at House Three Thirty
University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford applauds as UA President R.J. Nemer is introduced during an event to introduce coach Ford at House Three Thirty in Akron on April, 15, 2026.
(Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
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UA men's basketball coach Dustin Ford debuts at House Three Thirty
New men's basketball coach Dustin Ford is congratulated by UA president R.J. Nemer at the event to introduce coach Ford at House Three Thirty in Akron on April 15, 2026.
(Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal)
Wilson is a 2025 graduate of Father Tolton Catholic High School in Columbia, Missouri. He was ranked a 3-star prospect by multiple recruiting services, and was considered No. 10 overall prospect in the state of Missouri by 247Sports. He was a three-time Missouri Basketball Coaches Association (MBCA) Class 4 all-state selection (2023, 2024, 2025), a two-time MBCA District 9 Player of the Year (2024, 2025) and a three-time Class 4 All-District selection while at Tolton. He was also a finalist for the IQHOOPZ Missouri Player of the Year in 2024-25.
Wilson led the Trailblazers to the semifinals of the 2023 MSHSAA Class 4 state tournament, the quarterfinals of the 2024 and 2025 Class 4 state tournament and to four consecutive District 4 championships.
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Wilson scored 1,707 points in his high school career, finishing second at Father Tolton Catholic to current NBA player Michael Porter Jr. Wilson graduated as Tolton's leader in steals (187), third in assists (181) and fifth in rebounds (487).
Father Tolton guard Exavier Wilson dribbles the ball during the Class 4 District 9 championship game on March 3, 2023, in Westphalia, Mo.
Wilson averaged 20.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists as a senior in 2024-25, including 34-point performances versus Sikeston and Battle. He scored a career-high 38 points in a two-overtime win over Sikeston on Feb. 24, 2024, as a junior.
Wilson played in the 24K Showcase at the Allen Iverson Classic at Bethel High School in Hampton, Virginia, during his senior season with Tolton.
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.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott hugs his family after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) reacts at the end of the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks for a layup against Toledo Rockets forward Jaylan Ouwinga (32) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott catches a piece of confetti during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
The Akron Zips men’s basketball team celebrates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots a three against the Toledo Rockets during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Toledo Rockets center Austin Parks (25) throws down a dunk between Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) and guard Evan Mahaffey (12) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) shoots against a pair of Toledo defenders during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) battles for the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates as Akron comes back during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron guard Tavari Johnson celebrates with teammates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips head coach John Groce gives an official an earful during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Bowen Hardman (15) celebrates after a three during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
An Akron cheerleader performs during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) puts up a shot during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks to the basket for a layup over Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) and Toledo Rockets guard Mynor Strong (5) fights for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) looks for a layup ahead of Toledo Rockets guard Leroy Blyden Jr. (2) and center Austin Parks (25) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey (4) celebrates after a three during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) controls the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Toledo Rockets forward Sean Craig (7) and Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) fight for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
An Akron Zips player shows off his section of net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots over Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates with guard Zach Halligan after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips head coach John Groce celebrates his third consecutive Mid-American Conference championship win with Sandy Hamad at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson cuts down the net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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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.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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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.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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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.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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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.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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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 Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks for a layup against Toledo Rockets forward Jaylan Ouwinga (32) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott catches a piece of confetti during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
The Akron Zips men’s basketball team celebrates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots a three against the Toledo Rockets during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Toledo Rockets center Austin Parks (25) throws down a dunk between Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) and guard Evan Mahaffey (12) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) shoots against a pair of Toledo defenders during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) battles for the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates as Akron comes back during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron guard Tavari Johnson celebrates with teammates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips head coach John Groce gives an official an earful during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Bowen Hardman (15) celebrates after a three during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
An Akron cheerleader performs during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) puts up a shot during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks to the basket for a layup over Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) and Toledo Rockets guard Mynor Strong (5) fights for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) looks for a layup ahead of Toledo Rockets guard Leroy Blyden Jr. (2) and center Austin Parks (25) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey (4) celebrates after a three during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) controls the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Toledo Rockets forward Sean Craig (7) and Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) fight for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
An Akron Zips player shows off his section of net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots over Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates with guard Zach Halligan after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips head coach John Groce celebrates his third consecutive Mid-American Conference championship win with Sandy Hamad at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson cuts down the net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Akron will be Staveskie's fourth college, with previous stops at Incarnate Word, Cleveland State and Canisius. He has 1,220 points, 257 rebounds and 235 assists in 89 collegiate games (88 starts). Staveskie is a 6-1, 185-pound guard.
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Burton, who will be a redshirt senior in 2025-26, is a 6-10, 240-pound forward who spent the past four seasons at Western Michigan University. He has started in 60 games the last two seasons with the Broncos, and has averaged 4.9 points and 3.9 rebounds in 18.1 minutes in 96 career games.
Akron Beacon Journal sports writer Michael Beaven can be reached by email at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal .
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Exavier Wilson commits to Akron basketball in transfer portal
