New Headline: Coach Groce's Spin Class Surpasses Expectations in Illinois!
Groce is taking the Zips to the Big Dance again.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MARCH 21: Head coach John Groce of the Akron Zips reacts to a play during the first half of a game against the Arizona Wildcats in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Climate Pledge Arena on March 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images John Groce is going dancing once again. Groce’s Akron Zips claimed their third straight MAC Tournament title on Saturday night in thrilling fashion.
AKRON IS DANCING AKRON IS DANCING OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD!!! SHAMMAH SCOTT WINS IT WITH A STEPBACK THREE WITH 6 SECONDS LEFT AND THE ZIPS ARE GOING BACK TO THE NCAA TOURNAMENT!!!! pic.
twitter. com/OM2UGRX3AH — Mid-Major Madness (@mid_madness) March 15, 2026 For the fourth time in five years, the former Illinois head coach is heading to the NCAA Tournament. While his Zips haven’t yet won a game in the Big Dance, it says something about his ability to keep churning out great teams and dominate the MAC.
Any insider would surely say Groce’s Akron team is better than the undefeated Miami (Ohio) team this season, even if the Redhawks got the best of the Zips in the regular season. I think Illini fans have a special place in their heart for Groce, who is probably best served at the mid-major level. Even though he wasn’t able to lead Illinois to glory, nobody would question his character and his ability.