John Groce guided the Akron Zips to the 2025 NCAA Tournament after the team clinched the MAC Tournament championship.
Akron wrapped up an impressive season with a 28-6 overall record and dominated the MAC with a 17-1 mark in conference play.
They were the MAC’s only representative in the NCAA Tournament, but their stay was brief. The Zips were overwhelmed in the opening round, suffering a 93-65 loss to Arizona. The defeat extended Akron’s NCAA Tournament losing streak to seven games, dating back to 1986.
Despite the early exit, the season was filled with individual achievements. Nate Johnson was honored as the MAC Player of the Year for the 2024-25 campaign.
Shortly after the season ended, Johnson announced his departure from Akron. He has since committed to Kansas State, making the move from the MAC to the Big 12.
Joe Tipton of On3 Sports confirmed the news, tweeting: “NEWS: Akron transfer guard Nate Johnson has committed to Kansas State, he told @On3sports.”
In his final year with the Zips, Johnson averaged 14 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.
He’ll now play under head coach Jerome Tang in Manhattan, Kansas. The Wildcats are looking to rebound after missing the NCAA Tournament the past two seasons, following their Elite Eight appearance in 2023.
Kansas State also bolstered its roster with two other transfers: Abdi Bashir Jr., a prolific scorer from Monmouth who averaged 20.1 points per game, and Khamari McGriff, a 6-foot-9 forward from UNC Wilmington known for his sixth-man contributions and 11.6-point scoring average, who helped lead the Seahawks to the NCAA Tournament.
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