Akron embraces a three-point strategy in NCAA Tournament preparation
- Akron's basketball team, guided by coach John Groce, has revamped their offensive strategy to focus on increased 3-point shooting.
- This transformation comes in the wake of the team losing key post players from the previous season, encouraging a reliance on experienced guards.
- As they prepare to compete against Arizona in the NCAA Tournament, they hope this new style will bring success in light of their 20-1 conference record.
In early March 2025, the Akron Zips, with a 28-6 record, participated in the NCAA Tournament against the Arizona Wildcats in Seattle. They arrived in the tournament following a successful season within the Mid-American Conference (MAC), achieving a remarkable 20-1 league record that included winning both the regular season and tournament titles. Historically, Akron had relied on a strong post game, but with incoming changes to their roster, the coaching staff recognized the need for a transformation. Coach John Groce began advocating for an offense centered around 3-point shooting well before the season concluded. Akron lost significant post players, including several who were vital to their scoring. In response, they shifted their focus to leverage the experienced guards they retained. The team averaged nearly 30 3-point attempts per game, a stark contrast to their past strategies. This shift saw the squad change from a more traditional style of play to one that emphasized faster tempo and the importance of conditioning. With key players averaging impressive shooting statistics, Akron's new approach showed promise as they prepared to face off against Arizona, a team that had also demonstrated resilience in the Big 12 Conference. Both teams had met significant challenges throughout the season, but the Zips aimed to showcase their retooled offense as they set their sights on advancing in the tournament.