Brothers Eric and Evan Mahaffey help power Akron to NCAA Tournament

University of Akron men’s basketball coach John Groce has described brothers Evan Mahaffey and Eric Mahaffey as “great dudes” and “awesome dudes” this season.

Evan Mahaffey is a senior starter in his first season at Akron after playing his freshman season at Penn State and his sophomore and junior seasons at Ohio State.

Eric Mahaffey is a redshirt freshman reserve in his second season at Akron after not playing last season because of an injury.

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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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Expect to see both on the court Friday, March 20, when No. 12-seed Akron (29-5) meets No. 5 Texas Tech (22-10) in a Midwest Region first-round game at 12:40 p.m. in Tampa.

“It's been great,” Evan Mahaffey said Sunday, March 15, when he was asked about playing with Eric after watching the Selection Show at Rhodes Arena. “It's been very memorable. ... Just having the opportunity to play alongside him and do things like this and go play in March Madness. That’s something not too many brothers can say they can do and you can tell your kids. So, that's really exciting.”

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Eric Mahaffey fielded the same question and added that going to the NCAA Tournament with Evan “is the best thing you can think about.”

It’s hard not to get sentimental for the Mahaffey brothers, who had never played on a youth team or high school team together. Evan and Eric graduated from Moeller High School in Cincinnati in 2022 and 2024, respectively.

“With time dwindling down and knowing that we're getting a game closer to it being the end, especially when we were in the MAC Tournament where any game could be our last game, it's one of those things where it's just like you want to soak in every single moment,” Evan Mahaffey said. “Just like even the little things, being in a hotel room together, chilling and watching TV, just sitting there for a moment and taking it in and just knowing that you never know when it’s going to be your last game.

“…  I think there's a good balance between taking in those moments and also being locked in and ready to go for the next opportunity, especially when you are playing a really good team like Texas Tech. It's going to be really exciting.”

Eric Mahaffey said he and Evan have shared several “very special moments” this season, including the MAC Tournament wins over Buffalo , Kent State and Toledo at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.

The brothers shared a hug after the dramatic 79-76 win over Toledo in the MAC Tournament championship .

“Being able to do that after the game with your brother, it's just a different feeling for sure and then like seeing my mom [Robyn Mahaffey], my dad [Jamie Mahaffey] and my sister [Danielle] in the stands, too, it was a great feeling,” Eric Mahaffey said.

Evan Mahaffey was thrilled with the prospect of playing with Eric when he decided to leave Ohio State and transfer to Akron. He also wanted to win a MAC championship and return to the NCAA Tournament after he played in it as a freshman at Penn State.

“The Mahaffeys have been awesome,” Groce said. “I thanked Evan after the [MAC Tournament championship] game for choosing us. I think his brother had something to do with that a little bit, maybe a tad, and other factors. You know, you've heard him talk about it like, ‘Hey, I wanted to be a part of that.’

“Where guys can come in and out of the office whenever they want, they love all that, and we love them whether they make the shot or miss the shot, win or lose the game, but we hold them accountable to really, really high standards. We can't stand mediocrity. That just doesn't live here. So, that's our mentality, and I think those guys have thrived in it because that's how they're wired.

"Both the Mahaffeys made plays [against Toledo]. I thought Eric really settled in and his best half of the tournament was in the second half. He made some big plays for us. I thought Evan was really good throughout the three games.”

Graduate student guard Shammah Scott said he considers the Mahaffey brothers Akron's "Swiss Army knives.”

“Those guys do everything for us, like the little things,” Scott said. “Obviously, they score, rebound and defend. I'm just very proud of both of them.”

Fellow Akron seniors Amani Lyles, Tavari Johnson and Bowen Hardman said they are impressed by the Mahaffey brothers' versatility.

“They can do it all on the court,” Lyles said. “They play those roles to the highest level. Evan, he got me really hyped with that block [in the MAC Tournament championship]. He came out of nowhere. They just give us energy and a lot of spark. You need those guys on championship teams.”

Eric Mahaffey has embraced his role after being a spectator last season.

"In between the time of pregame meal and the game, it's like a totally different thing," Eric Mahaffey said. "You gotta start locking in. Last year, I would just like lollygag around and watch TV, but now you really gotta get in the rotation and you really gotta play. It's very special, though. It's what you want.”

The Mahaffey brothers also shared laughs with media members March 15 when they were asked about both being listed at 6-foot-6.

“I’m taller,” Evan Mahaffey said. “… His hair is always up so people think he is taller than me, but he is not. And honestly I might be 6-7 because some people be lying on the scouting report, and I am taller than the 6-7 people. I think I am taller. He thinks he is taller.”

The 200-pound Eric Mahaffey then chimed in: “Think about it — I am 19. I’ve got some years left.”

The 215-pound Evan Mahaffey, 21, then added: “I agree. Exactly, that is why I am soaking this for as much time as I can being taller. Once you’re taller than me, I’ll admit it 100%.”

Akron Beacon Journal sports writer Michael Beaven can be reached by email at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal .

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron's Mahaffey brothers ready to experience March Madness together