The Akron Zips became a Division I program in 1980.
Since then, through 2024, they’ve made the Division I NCAA Tournament six times.
From 2020 to 2024, there were two chances to wager on their college basketball odds in the tournament, in 2022 and 2024.
You can wager on their basketball betting odds at the BetMGM online sportsbook.
Focusing solely on their Division I success since 1980, find my list of the top five Zips ever.
Who Are the Best Akron Zips Basketball Players?
| Rank | Player | Position | Zips Years |
| 1 | Joe Jakubick | G | 1980-1984 |
| 2 | Enrique Freeman | F | 2019-2024 |
| 3 | Romeo Travis | F | 2004-2007 |
| 4 | Isaiah Johnson | C | 2013-2017 |
| 5 | Eric McLaughlin | G | 1985-1989 |
1. Joe Jakubick
Jakubick’s time with Akron began in 1980, their first season playing Division I ball.
He amassed 2,583 points (most in program history) and 189 steals (second).
Jakubuck also had the top two Zips single-season scoring records, headlined by 827 points in the 1982-83 season.
He was a three-time Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American, was the NCAA scoring leader in 1984, and two-time OVC Player of the Year.
He averaged 23.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game.
2. Enrique Freeman
Freeman played for the Zips from 2019 to 2024, but he played just seven games as a freshman.
Over that time, he averaged 14.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. As a senior, he elevated his performance to 18.6 points, 12.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game.
He led the NCAA in rebounds in 2024. That same year, he was an AP Honorable Mention All-American, the MAC Player of the Year, and first-team All-MAC.
Additionally, he was first-team All-MAC (2023), second-team All-MAC, the MAC Defensive Player of the Year, a four-time MAC All-Defensive team member, and two-time MAC Tournament MVP.
He finished his career with 188 blocks (second), 1,843 points (second in Division I), and 1,405 rebounds (first).
3. Romeo Travis
Travis played four seasons for Akron from 2003 to 2007.
He had 165 blocks (third), 783 rebounds (second most in Akron Division I history), and 1,491 points (sixth in Division I).
He was the MAC Player of the Year in 2007 and two-time first-team All-MAC.
Travis averaged 12.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game.
4. Isaiah Johnson
Johnson played for Akron from 2013 to 2017, where he was an AP Honorable Mention All-American, the MAC Player of the Year, two-time first-team All-MAC, and the MAC Sixth Man of the Year.
He averaged 10.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game across 136 games and 66 starts.
As a senior, he averaged 16.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 0.9 blocks.
He’s fourth in blocks in Zips history with 143.
5. Eric McLaughlin
McLaughlin suited up from 1985 to 1990, during which time he had 476 assists (second), 177 steals (fourth), and 1,810 points (third in Division I).
He averaged 15.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
McLaughlin was a two-time All-OVC Tournament team member and the OVC Tournament MVP.
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