Jackson and Groce Claim MAC Top Honors

Follow Akron Basketball on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram | Follow Coach Groce on Twitter

CLEVELAND, Ohio – On Wednesday, the Mid-American Conference announced its 2019-20 postseason awards and top individual honors as junior Loren Cristain Jackson was named MAC Player of the Year and head coach John Groce earned MAC Coach of the Year awards.

"This honor is a reflection of Team No. 119, our administration, the coaching staff, support staff and Zips Nation," Zips' head coach John Groce said. "Thank you to all of those who work extremely hard to help our players be successful both on and off the court. It takes a village - #1Akron."

Jackson became the third player in Akron basketball history to earn MAC Player of the Year award, joining Isaiah Johnson (2017) and Romeo Travis (2007). Jackson was also named first team All-MAC.

Jackson started all 31 regular-season games, averaging a team-high 19.8 points per game which ranked second in league scoring and 30^th in the NCAA. In the 18 conference games, Jackson averaged 22.9 points per game.

He recorded double-digit points in 27 games, including a season-high 35 points three times against Ohio, Bowling Green and Buffalo. He scored 30-plus points on five occasions, adding a 33-point performance against Toledo and a 31-point effort at Central Michigan.

Jackson leads the top-seeded Zips from behind the 3-point arc, draining 92 triples which ranks second in the league and 23^rd in the NCAA. His 42.8 shooting percentage from deep is also a team-best and ranks first in the MAC and 14^th in the NCAA.

Jackson dishes out 4.5 assists per game with a team-high 138 assists. In addition, Jackson connects from the free throw line at a high rate, shooting 87.7 percent on 135-of-154.

During the season, Jackson eclipsed the 1,000-point career scoring mark, becoming the 46^th player in Akron history to post over 1,000 points. He currently ranks 04^th on the Zips all-time scoring list with 1,075 points in 64 games played. In addition, Jackson earned the #LouHensonAward National Player of the Week award along with four MAC East Player of the Week honors.

In his third year at the helm, Groce became the third coach to earn MAC Coach of the Year honors, joining Keith Dambrot (2013, 2016, 2017) and Dan Hipsher (1998).

Groce led the 2019-20 Zips to the Mid-American Conference regular season championship after being selected fifth in the MAC East preseason poll. Akron posted a 24-7 overall record and 14-4 in conference play. In addition, the Zips were 14-2 at home and 8-4 on the road including a 7-2 league mark.

In the first year under Groce (2017-18), the Zips had to find their groove again with a brand new roster, virtually starting from scratch. In year two (2018-19), the Zips dramatically improved on the defensive side of the ball, finishing No. 22 defensive efficiency (94.1) and No. 1 in the MAC. This season, the Zips picked up the pace, improving 150 spots in the tempo ratings, ranking 104th (69.7). The new pace of play directly effects the offensive efficiency rating as the Zips climbed 196 spots for a No. 63 (108.2) ranking in the NCAA. On the defensive side of the ball, Akron stands at 105th (98.8).

With the No. 1 seed, Akron received a bye for the opening round of the MAC Tournament and Zips are scheduled to play No.8 Ohio on Thursday, March 12 at noon. The quarterfinal game will be held at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio and can be seen on ESPN+ and heard on 1350-AM.

The University of Akron Athletics

Players Mentioned

Isaiah Johnson

Related Videos