Akron, Kent State men's basketball stars earn All-MAC first-team honors

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Akron, Kent State men's basketball stars earn All-MAC first-team honors

Michael Beaven, Akron Beacon Journal

Thu, Mar 12, 2026 ·

7 min read

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University of Akron seniors Tavari Johnson and Amani Lyles and Kent State University senior Delrecco Gillespie were among five men's basketball players selected to the All-Mid-American Conference first team for the 2025-26 season .

The MAC announced its all-conference teams and specialty award winners for the season Wednesday, March 11. All awards were voted on by the league's 13 head coaches, with coaches unable to vote for their own players.

More: Zips coverage Akron men's basketball extends home win streak in Senior Night blowout

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Akron Zips vs NIU, Mid-American Conference basketball game photos

University of Akron men’s basketball student-fans draw letter on each other’s torsos to eventually spell out “Go Zips!” before a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against Northern Illinois University, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.

(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

University of Akron student-fans ready themselves for a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

University of Akron student-fans pregame for a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) is honored on senior nights before a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Shammah Scott (1) is honored on senior nights before a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Tavari Johnson (5) is honored on senior nights before a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) is honored on senior nights before a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Bowen Hardman (15) is honored on senior nights before a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips men’s basketball seniors are honored on senior nights before a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

NIU’s Hassan 'Tre' Washington (7) wins tipoff for a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Bowen Hardman (15) looks to shoot during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

ZIps fans cheer in the opening minute of a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Tavari Johnson (5) shoots for three points over NIU’s Hassan 'Tre' Washington (7) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Bowen Hardman (15) shoots for three points against NIU during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Tavari Johnson (5) passes during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) vies for a rebound against NIU defense during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) dunks during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Sharron Young (3) shoots under pressure from NIU’s Dylan Ducommun (25) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Eric Mahaffey (4) shoots against NIU during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) runs into NIU defensive traffic during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

NIU’s Gianni Cobb (0) guards a UA inbound pass during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) eyes the basket during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Marvin Musiime-Kamali (23) blocks an NIU two point attempt during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

NIU’s coach Rashon Burno has some words for his defense during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against the Zips, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Sharron Young (3) shoots from downtown during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

NIU’s Carlos Coronado (2) recovers a loose ball on a rebound attempt during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against the Zips, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Bowen Hardman (15) eyes the basket during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

NIU’s Gianni Cobb (0) listens in during a timeout in a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against the Zips, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

NIU’s Gianni Cobb (0) watches for the Zips’ inbound pass position after a timeout in a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against the Zips, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) is fouled during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) eyes his free-throw during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Shammah Scott (1) drives the lane during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Shammah Scott (1) launches a three pointer during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Shammah Scott (1) eyes a bucket during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Sharron Young (3) looks to the baseline audience during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ coach John Groce during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

The Zips men’s basketball team concludes a timeout during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) eyes a teammate to pass to during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) shoots during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Tavari Johnson (5) shoots during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Shammah Scott (1) looks to pass during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

The Zips student-fan section cheers on the team during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

NIU’s Hassan 'Tre' Washington (7) puts up two points during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against the Zips, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) shoots during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Tavari Johnson (5) drives around NIU defense during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Tavari Johnson (5) floats two points over NIU’s Carlos Coronado (2) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

NIU’s Dylan Ducommun (25), left, gets into a brief scuffle with Akron Zips’ Sharron Young (3) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) eyes his shot during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) is fouled by NIU’s Gustav Winther (96) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) eyes a free-throw after being fouled by NIU’s Gustav Winther (96) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) looks to shoot while being guarded by NIU’s Dylan Ducommun (25) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Eric Mahaffey (4) shoots for three against NIU during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Chabi Barre (8) rebounds while being guarded by NIU’s Taj Walters (6) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ coach John Groce makes a point during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

University of Akron cheerleaders perform during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Sandra Kurt, clerk of Akron’s Municipal Courtd sings and dances during a timeout in a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

NIU’s Taj Walters (6) shoots during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against the Zips, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) shoots as NIU’s Gustav Winther (96) guards during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

University of Akron student-fans cheer during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Bowen Hardman (15) returns to the floor after being fouled during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Bowen Hardman (15) shoots a free-throw during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) sets up three points during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Tavari Johnson (5) shoots for two during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Marvin Musiime-Kamali (23) nabs a rebound against NIU’s Gustav Winther (96) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Bowen Hardman (15) looks for room to shoot against NIU during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Marvin Musiime-Kamali (23) is fouled by Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ coach John Groce has an exchange of friendly words with officials during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Marvin Musiime-Kamali (23) eyes a free throw during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Bowen Hardman (15) sets up three points during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Evan Mahaffey (12) dribbles around NIU’s Carlos Coronado (2) during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Amani Lyles (0) rebounds during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Akron Zips’ Sharron Young (3) looks to pass during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game against NIU, March 6, 2026, at James A Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)

Johnson earned first-team All-MAC honors for the second consecutive season as Akron (26-5, 17-1) secured the No. 2 seed in the MAC Tournament.

Johnson started all 31 games and leads the MAC in scoring (20.2 average). He is also first in free-throw percentage (89.9), third in assists (160), tied for third in assist average (5.2), ninth in assist/turnover ratio (2.3), 16th in field goal percentage (51.7), 18th in steals (1.2) and 24th in 3-point percentage (37.6).

Johnson, a 6-foot guard, scored a career-high 35 points against Yale in the Paradise Jam and had a career-high 11 assists against Milwaukee. He scored in double figures 29 times, including 25 games with 15 or more points. He recorded five or more assists in 18 games. He also averaged 3.0 rebounds.

Lyles started all 31 games, and is 10th in the MAC in points (460), fourth in rebounds (233) and rebound average (7.5), ninth in field goal percentage (57.2), 10th in 3-point percentage (41.1), tied for 11th in scoring average (14.8) and 19th in free-throw percentage (75.2), tied for 24th in assists (68) and assist average (2.2).

Lyles, a 6-9 forward, scored a career-high 26 points against Ball State and grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds against Buffalo. He scored in double figures 25 times, including 16 games with 15 or more points. He recorded seven double-doubles.

Gillespie leads NCAA Division I men's basketball in double-doubles with 21 in 31 games, all starts. He guided the Golden Flashes (23-8, 14-4) to the No. 3 seed in the MAC Tournament as the team's leader in points (560), scoring average (18.1), rebounds (346), rebound average (11.2), blocks (42) and block average (1.4).

Gillespie, a 6-8 forward, leads the MAC and is fourth nationally in rebounding. He is also No. 4 in the MAC in scoring, sixth in blocks, 10th in free-throw percentage (78.6) and 15th in field-goal percentage (52.5). He scored a career-high 32 points against Bowling Green and grabbed a career-high 23 rebounds against Central Michigan.

Kent State's Delrecco Gillespie (23) fights for room to shoot against Eastern Michigan, Feb. 11, 2026. — Kent State’s Delrecco Gillespie (23) fights for room to shoot against Eastern Michigan, Feb. 11, 2026.

Miami's Travis Steele and Peter Suder earn top Mid-American Conference men's basketball honors

Miami's Travis Steele was a unanimous selection for MAC Coach of the Year and Miami senior guard Peter Suder was tabbed as MAC Player of the Year after guiding the RedHawks (31-0, 18-0) to an undefeated regular season and the No. 1 seed in the MAC Tournament.

Akron graduate student Shammah Scott was named MAC Sixth Man of the Year for the second year in a row, Bowling Green senior Javontae Campbell was selected as the MAC Defensive Player of the Year and Toledo's Leroy Blyden Jr. was tabbed as MAC Freshman of the Year.

Scott is the sixth player in Akron program history to earn the Sixth Man of the Year award, and the first Zip to earn it in consecutive seasons. He joins Buffalo's Nick Perkins (2017-19) as the only players to receive the honor multiple times.

Scott also earned a third-team All-MAC nod after playing in all 31 games, with 12 starts. Scott was tied for third in the MAC in assist/turnover ratio (2.6), 12th in 3-point percentage (42.5), 18th in assists (93), 20th in assists average (3.0), 22nd in points (391) and 23rd in scoring average (12.6). He also averaged 2.6 rebounds.

Scott scored in double-figures 17 times and recorded five or more assists in eight games. He scored a career-high 25 points against Yale in the Paradise Jam.

Lyles, Gillespie and Akron senior Evan Mahaffey were also named to the All-MAC defensive team.

Mahaffey, an All-MAC honorable mention selection, started all 31 games and averaged 10.1 points in his first season at Akron after transferring from Ohio State. Mahaffey tied for second in the MAC in steal average (1.8), tied for third in assist/turnover ratio (2.6), seventh in field-goal percentage (58.3), tied for 12th in assists (109) and assist average (3.5), 16th in rebounds (168) and tied for 19th in rebound average (5.4).

Mahaffey, a 6-6 guard-forward, scored in double figures in 20 games, including a career-high 20 points against Buffalo. He recorded five or more assists in nine games.

Mahaffey's brother, 6-6 guard-forward Eric Mahaffey, was named to the All-MAC freshman team after averaging 8.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists for Akron. Eric's 5.9 rebounds a game is No. 11 in the MAC and he is 12th in field-goal percentage (53.5). He scored in double figures nine times, with a season-high 20 points against Iona. He led Akron in rebounds 10 times, including a career-high 13 rebounds against Miami.

Kent State graduate student Morgan Safford was All-MAC honorable mention and Quinn Woidke was named to the All-MAC freshman team.

Safford is tied for 15th in the MAC in scoring (14.1), ninth in free-throw percentage (79.5) and tied for 12th in rebounding (5.7). He has scored 409 points in 29 games. He scored a a career-high 34 points against Cornell.

Woidke averages 9.4 points and is No. 5 in the MAC in 3-point percentage (43.0).

Miami RedHawks coach Travis Steele gives an official an earful after a foul during the first half of a Mid-American Conference Tournament semifinal March 14, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Miami moved into the national rankings this season for the first time since February 1999, and entered the weekend No. 20 in the Associated Press poll. Miami set a program record for wins in a season, breaking the mark of 25 established last year. The RedHawks secured the best start for a program in MAC history, the most consecutive conference wins in MAC history and the longest win streak in MAC history and are the fifth NCAA Division I team this century to go undefeated in the regular season.

Steele, who is Akron coach John Groce's brother, is the first Miami men's basketball coach to be named MAC Coach of the Year since Charlie Coles received the award in 2005.

Suder is the seventh Miami player to be named MAC Player of the Year, and the first since Michael Bramos in 2009. Suder is Miami's leading scorer at 14.8 points and earned first-team All-MAC honors for the second consecutive season. He is eighth in the MAC in 3-point percentage (42.0), ninth in assists (3.9), 10th in assist/turnover ratio (2.1), 10th in steals (1.4), 11th in the MAC in field-goal percentage (55.6), tied for 11th in scoring average and 24th in free-throw percentage (72.5).