It's time for John Groce to find some space on his mantle.
The University of Akron men's basketball coach on Thursday won the 2025 Hugh Durham National Coach of the Year from College Insider.
The award is given every year to the top mid-major coach in college basketball.
Groce is the first Zips coach to win the award. He was one of 25 finalists.
"It is an honor and privilege for our staff and support staff to be recognized with the Hugh Durham National Coach of the Year Award," Groce said in a release. "We are so grateful that our players allow us to coach them and impact their lives.
The Zips capped of a 28-7 season with a trip to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in four years. That included a 17-1 record in Mid-American Conference play.
"John has been an incredible motivator, mentor and coach both on and off the court," UA President R.J. Nemer said in a release. "John knows how to win, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him as such a committed member of the University community. We are excited to see what the future holds for our men's basketball program under Coach Groce's leadership."
The future for Akron includes just several players returning from this season's team, including first-team all-conference selections Nate Johnson and Tavari Johnson. Nate Johnson was named the top player in the conference, and the Defensive Player of the Year.
The Zips will also have Ohio State transfer Evan Mahaffey on the roster next season.
Akron lost in the round of 64 of the NCAA Tournament to Arizona.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron basketball coach John Groce wins Hugh Durham award
