The Zips basketball teams sold hope to their supporters on Oct. 28 during the University of Akron ’s 2025 Tipoff Reception at Rhodes Arena.

And why not? One team has championships it can tout. The other can point to better luck with health as a reason to believe it can rise.

The men are eyeing a Mid-American Conference Tournament title three-peat, and the women are optimistic an influx of depth can spark a turnaround.

Both teams are scheduled to begin the 2025-26 season on Nov. 3, with the men hosting James Madison at 7 p.m. and the women visiting South Alabama at 8 p.m.

Here are breakdowns of each team from men’s coach John Groce and women’s coach Ryan Gensler:

Akron Zips men’s basketball is embracing MAC championship expectations

Zips point guard Tavari Johnson told th

See Full Page