The University of Akron Athletics
Men's Basketball Predicted to Finish First in MAC Preseason Poll - Three Zips Named to Preseason All-MAC Team
October 21 | Men's Basketball
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Coming off a Mid-American Conference Regular Season and Tournament title, the Akron men's basketball team was predicted to finish first in the MAC Preseason Coaches' Poll while three Zips were named to the Preseason All-MAC team, the conference office announced Tuesday, October 21.
Akron was tabbed to finish first with 11 first-place votes and 143 points. Miami was picked to finish second with the final two first-place votes and 133 points, while Kent State was picked to finish third after receiving 122 points.
Tavari Johnson, a 2025 All-MAC First Team selection, was named to the Preseason All-MAC First Team. Johnson was also named to the 2025 All-MAC Tournament Team, was named a finalist for the Nolan Richardson Award and was named to the NABC East District Second Team. He appeared and started all 35 games while averaging 24.7 minutes per game. Johnson also averaged 13.0 points per game, scored 20+ points in seven games, scored in double figures in 24 games and led the Zips in assists in 17 games.
Shammah Scott, the 2025 MAC Sixth Man of the Year, and newcomer Evan Mahaffey were named to the Preseason All-MAC Second Team.
Scott appeared in 34 games, starting one while averaging 24.4 minutes per game. He averaged 9.4 points, scored in double figures in 19 games and compiled a season-high 18 points at Ball State (2/25/25).
Mahaffey, the older brother of current Zip Eric Mahaffey, is a 6'6'' perimeter player from Cincinnati, Ohio, who played at Archbishop Moeller High School prior to stints with Penn State and Ohio State.
At Ohio State, he played in 68 games while starting 38 and averaged 20 minutes per game over the last two seasons. He shot over 67 percent from the field last season, tallying 114 points, 98 rebounds, 28 blocks and 27 assists. As a true freshman, Mahaffey made 34 appearances for the Nittany Lions, including both NCAA Tournament games against Texas A&M and Texas.
2025-26 MAC Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Akron (11) – 143
2. Miami (2) – 133
3. Kent State – 122
4. Ohio – 108
5. UMass – 98
6. Toledo – 95
7. Bowling Green – 73
8. Ball State – 62
9. Eastern Michigan – 52
10. Western Michigan – 46
11. Buffalo – 37
12. Central Michigan – 31
13. Northern Illinois – 14
Tournament Champion: Akron (8), Miami (2), Kent State (1), Ohio (1), UMass (1)
2025-26 MAC Men's Basketball Preseason All-MAC Teams
First Team
Tavari Johnson, Senior, Guard, Akron
Javontae Campbell, Senior, Guard, Bowling Green
Delrecco Gillespie, Senior, Forward, Kent State
Peter Suder, Senior, Guard, Miami
Jackson Paveletzke, Senior, Guard, Ohio
Second Team
Evan Mahaffey, Senior, Wing, Akron
Shammah Scott, Graduate Student, Guard, Akron
Daniel Hankins-Sanford, Senior, Forward, UMass
Eian Elmer, Junior, Wing, Miami
Javan Simmons, Redshirt Junior, Forward, Ohio
Sonny Wilson, Junior, Guard, Toledo
Season tickets are on sale now. Ticket plans for the 2025-26 season can be purchased on GoZips.com or by calling or texting 888-99-AKRON (25766) or visiting The C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field (located at 375 E. Exchange Street, near Gate 1 at the southwest corner of the venue, at the corner of E. Exchange and S. Union streets) during our transitional business hours (Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
