海角社区

University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford has introduced three new assistant coaches to his staff for the upcoming 2026-27 season: Jay Shunnar, Todd May, and Joshua Jones. Shunnar joins after a successful tenure at North Texas, where he helped the team achieve a 19-win season, the best by a first-year coaching staff. May brings over a decade of coaching experience at Concord University, where he led the team to an impressive 152 wins and an NCAA tournament appearance. Meanwhile, Jones comes from North Dakota State, where he contributed to a conference championship-winning team. The returning assistant coaches include Terry Weigand and Devan Morrow, completing a diverse and experienced coaching team.

• Shunnar helped North Texas achieve 19 wins, the second-most in program history for a first-year staff.
• May led Concord to 152 wins in 10 seasons and a NCAA tournament appearance, marking the first at-large bid since 1954.
• Jones contributed to North Dakota State's 27-8 record, winning both the regular season and conference tournament titles.

While the new coaching hires have strong resumes, some may question how effectively they can work together to maintain the team's momentum and cohesion after a successful previous season.

• The Zips aim to build on a successful 2025-26 season, targeting a fourth consecutive Mid-American Conference Tournament title.
• Returning players like Enrique Freeman, a second-round NBA draft pick, add experience and skill to the roster.

The coaching staff will focus on integrating new strategies and player development techniques to enhance team performance as the season approaches. Recruiting efforts will also be a priority to ensure a strong future for the program.

With a blend of seasoned coaching experience and fresh energy, the University of Akron's men's basketball team is well-positioned to contend for championships in the upcoming season. The success will hinge on collaboration among the new staff and maintaining a winning environment.