Akron, one of the top programs in the Mid-American Conference over the last 20 years, has a lot of re-tooling after losing its top four players to graduation from their 2024 MAC tournament-winning squad. The Zips got the ball rolling this weekend, pulling in commitments from UNC transfer James Okonkwo and West Virginia transfer Seth Wilson late Saturday night, per Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68.
Akron has landed both James Okonkwo (North Carolina) and Seth Wilson (West Virginia), source told @TheFieldOf68.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 13, 2024
MAC Program Receives Commitment Lands 2 Transfers From Power-5 Conferences
Okonkwo and Wilson were teammates at WVU for two seasons.
Thanks to a senior-laden roster, Akron went 24-11 this past season and finished second in the MAC with a 13-5 record. Only one of the Zips’ losses occurred at home, and they avenged two of their backs during the conference tournament.
Akron opened the MAC tournament with a 12-point victory over Miami and then overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat Ohio 65-62 behind a 24-point, 21-rebound double-double by senior Enrique Freeman. Akron earned their second NCAA tournament berth in three seasons by fending off eighth-seeded Kent State late in the championship game, picking up a 62-61 victory. Kent State upset top-seeded Toledo in the MAC quarterfinals.
Akron was awarded a 14-seed in the NCAA tournament. But Akron’s tournament stay was short-lived as the Zips fell to third-seeded Creighton Bluejays 77-60 in the opening round. The Zips are now 0-6 all-time in the NCAA tournament.
Akron has won 20+ games 16 times since the 2005-06 season began. The Zips also have earned five NCAA tournament berths during this stretch.
Akron Under Groce
While the Zips have not had much success in the postseason, they have won at least 22 games in three straight seasons and four of the past five. The Zips are 140-81 in seven seasons under head coach John Groce. Groce has guided the Zips to one MAC regular season title and two conference tournament crowns.
Akron is known for its defense under Groce. This past season, the Zips led the MAC in scoring defense at 65.4 and were 47th in the country in defensive efficiency. It is the third time the Zips have led the conference in points allowed under Groce and the fifth time they have finished in the top two.
Akron was fourth in the conference with 74.1 points a game. The Zips also led the MAC in two-point field goal percentage and were 31st in the nation overall. However, Groce has to replace his top four scorers, including three players who averaged double figures.
Additionally, Mikal Dawson has entered the transfer portal. Dawson was the Zip’s sixth man. He averaged 5.7 points, though he was mainly the team’s designated shooter and lockdown defender.
James Okonkwo
Okonkwo is an athletic 6-8 forward from England. He spent a year at Beckley Prep in West Virginia before playing two seasons at WVU.
After playing sparingly in his freshman season at WVU, Okonkwo averaged 2.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in 11 minutes in 31 appearances in his sophomore season. Okonkwo only played 49 minutes in 15 appearances for UNC.
Okonkwo will not only bring athleticism to the Zips but also rebounding and rim protection. While limited offensively, he is very efficient around the rim.
Seth Wilson
Wilson is an Akron native, though he moved to Lorain County (Ohio) for his final two high school years. The 6-2 guard slowly increased his role in his three seasons with the Mountaineers.
Wilson was a regular in the Mountaineers rotation this year, averaging 3.5 points on 31.8% shooting from the field and 37.9% from the 3-point line in 17.1 minutes over 28 games. Wilson, who started three games for WVU, scored in double-figures three times.
Wilson should see more time with the Zips than with the Mountaineers. The main attribute he brings with him is 3-point shooting and some defense. Wilson is a career 37.7% 3-point shooter.
