Former Illini coach John Groce makes 2025 NCAA Tournament

Former Illini basketball coach, John Groce, put the exclamation mark on another outstanding season at the University of Akron by clinching a ticket to the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The Akron Zips won with a last-second shot by guard Nate Johnson over Miami (OH.). Since being fired at Illinois in 2017, Groce has flourished at the mid-major level with Akron. Today’s MAC tournament win helps confirm Groce’s second straight NCAA Tournament birth. This is the third time in four years that Groce has won the MAC Tournament.

The Akron Zips also won the outright regular season championship for the second time in five years.

John Groce heading to the Ncaa tournament with Akron again https://t.co/860OCrOiKb

— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) March 16, 2025

Right where he needs to be

John Groce has won 99 of 148 Conference games at the MAC Level. After struggling to break into the top half of the Big Ten at Illinois, Groce has turned the Akron Zips into a yearly MAC contender. Groce was always a kind, hard-working figure who unfortunately never broke through in Champaign. His team will likely be a 13 or 14 seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. If that is the case, Groce and his Zips will likely avoid playing his old stomping grounds in the Illini.

Illini basketball just lost in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament and have been discussed as anywhere between a 6 seed and an 8 seed. Barring a first round upset by Groce and the Akron Zips, the Illini likely will not face him.

Update: Akron is a 13 seed that will play 4 seed Arizona. The Illini will play the winner of Xavier and Texas.

NATE JOHNSON WINS IT FOR AKRON!! THE ZIPS ARE GOING DANCING. 76-74 OVER MIAMI (OH) IN THE MAC CHAMPIONSHIP pic.twitter.com/lEc5S18U0S

— NCAA Buzzer Beaters & Game Winners (@NCAABuzzerBters) March 16, 2025

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

We at Armchair Illini are proudly sponsored by Hamilton Walker’s Steak, Seafood, and Spirits. Located in the heart of downtown Champaign, there is certainly no better restaurant for Illini fans to visit. Order online here or call (217) 350-0363 to make a reservation.

Above all, for feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at alexkyi13@gmail.com. Additionally, please use our Seatgeek code for $20 off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around.

Thank you for reading Armchair Illini! Furthermore, Subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.