In late March of 2017, longtime Zips head coach Keith Dambrot announced he was leaving Akron for Duquesne.  Soon-after, Tavian Dunn-Martin, Michael Hughes, Antino Jackson, Aaron Jackson, and Noah Robotham would transfer from the Zips.  Josh Williams had also previously announced his transfer, and both Kwan Cheatham and Isaiah Johnson had graduated.  This left Akron with only four returning players (Ivey, Utomi, Olojakpoke, and Eubanks).  Newly-hired Zips coach John Groce did his best to fill in the gaps left, but finding players who could make an immediate impact that late in the game was tough.  He did, however, add several transfers - Eric Hester, Loren Jackson, and Deng Riak - that had promise to elevate the program back to its previous championship level - and maybe beyond.  After a year's wait, we'll finally see if they can deliver on that potential. Joining them as new Zips are LePear Toles, Channel Banks, Jeremy Roscoe, and Tyler Cheese.  Xeyrius Williams (Dayto