The scent of freshly polished hardwood always takes me back to my college days in Ohio. I was sitting in the James A. Rhodes Arena last Tuesday, watching the Akron Zips run drills with that particular March intensity that transforms every practice into something sacred. A student behind me kept nervously tapping his foot against my seat while arguing with his friend about whether this year's squad had what it takes for a real postseason push. That's when his friend leaned forward and said the words that have been echoing in my mind ever since: "Can the Akron Zips basketball team make a run in the NCAA tournament this year?"
I've followed this program for fifteen years now, through coaching changes and heartbreaking near-misses, and something feels different about this group. They've quietly compiled a 24-7 record, including an impressive 14-4 conference performance that secured them the MAC regular-season title. But regular-season success doesn't always translate to March glory, and we've seen talented Akron teams stumble before when the bright lights of the tournament came on.
What strikes me about this particular team is their chemistry. Watching them interact during timeouts, there's a genuine connection that goes beyond basketball. I was reminded of something I'd read recently about another talented athlete, a quote from Mamuyac that perfectly captures what I'm seeing with the Zips: "Alam naman natin kung gaano ka-talented si kuya Stan." The sentiment translates beautifully to this Akron squad - we all know how talented these players are, but it's their brotherhood that might just be the X-factor.
Take Enrique Freeman, for instance. The senior forward isn't just putting up impressive numbers - 18.3 points and 12.8 rebounds per game - he's developed this almost telepathic connection with point guard Greg Tribble. During last week's game against Kent State, I watched them execute a perfect backdoor cut that wasn't part of their regular offensive sets. It was pure instinct, the kind of play that championship teams make when players have spent hundreds of hours learning each other's tendencies.
The memory of their 2022 tournament appearance still lingers - that heartbreaking 67-60 loss to UCLA where they led for significant portions of the game. I was there in Portland, watching from the nosebleed seats as the Bruins slowly chipped away at their lead. What impressed me then, and what gives me hope now, was how they never looked intimidated by the blue-blood program across from them. They played with a swagger that suggested they belonged on that stage, and this year's team has that same confidence, only now it's tempered with the experience of having been there before.
Their path won't be easy, of course. If projections hold, they'll likely land somewhere between an 11 and 13 seed, meaning they'll probably face a powerhouse program in the first round. But here's what gives me hope: this team has depth they've lacked in previous tournament appearances. While past Akron squads relied heavily on one or two stars, this year's rotation goes nine deep, with five players averaging double figures in scoring. That kind of balanced attack makes them harder to prepare for on short notice, which becomes crucial in tournament settings where scouts have limited time to study opponents.
I keep thinking about their comeback win against Toledo last month. Down 12 with under eight minutes to play, they didn't panic. Instead, they turned up their defensive intensity, forced five turnovers, and closed the game on a 21-4 run. That's the mark of a team that understands how to win under pressure, a quality that becomes invaluable in single-elimination basketball.
The question isn't really about talent - we know they have that. The real question is whether they can maintain their composure through the wild momentum swings that define March Madness. Can they survive the inevitable runs that better-seeded teams will make? Will their shooting hold up in unfamiliar arenas with different sight lines and louder crowds?
My heart says yes, though my head reminds me of the brutal reality of tournament basketball. Since 2010, only eight teams seeded 11th or lower have reached the Sweet Sixteen. The odds are steep, but not impossible. What gives me confidence is their resilience - they've won eight games this season when trailing at halftime, showing they can make adjustments and finish strong.
As I left the arena that evening, the March chill biting at my cheeks, I found myself thinking about what a tournament run would mean for this program, for this city. Akron hasn't had a Sweet Sixteen team since 1967, back when the tournament looked completely different. This team has the opportunity to create something special, to write their own chapter in the school's history books. The pieces are there - the talent, the chemistry, the coaching, the experience. Now we wait to see if they can put it all together when it matters most. Can the Akron Zips basketball team make a run in the NCAA tournament this year? I like their chances more than I have in a long time.