Dustin Ford's family gives Akron basketball belief he's ready. Opinion

Yahoo Sports7h ago30 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

Dustin Ford is seen as a strong hire for the University of Akron basketball team, having learned from former coach John Groce for 18 seasons. His family's basketball legacy, including his late father Gene's influence, adds to the belief in his readiness.

Key points

Dustin Ford is the new coach for Akron basketball.
He learned from former coach John Groce for 18 seasons.
Ford's father, Gene, was a notable basketball coach.
Gene Ford is in the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame.
High school basketball is central to the Cambridge community.

Mentioned in this story

Dustin FordGene FordUniversity of AkronOhio Basketball Hall of FameJohn GroceStony Brook

Dustin Ford isn’t a slam dunk hire by the University of Akron just because he learned from former longtime Zips men’s basketball coach John Groce for 18 seasons.

Ford’s pedigree is another reason he represents the epitome of a logical choice to fill the big shoes Groce has left behind at UA.

Thieves in Cambridge, Ohio, knew houses were empty on Friday nights because virtually everyone attended the local high school basketball games.

Ford’s late father, Gene, created a basketball coaching legacy at Cambridge High School and other stops, including Muskingum University. Gene, who died in 2019, is in the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame along with his eldest son, Geno Ford, a longtime college head coach who’s at the helm of Stony Brook.

Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) drives against Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) moves across the court against Kent State Golden Flashes guard Rob Whaley Jr. (2) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the MAC Basketball Tournament at Rocket Arena, March 13, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Q&A

Who is Dustin Ford and what is his connection to Akron basketball?

Dustin Ford is the new basketball coach for the University of Akron, having learned from former coach John Groce for 18 seasons.

What is the significance of Gene Ford in Dustin Ford's coaching career?

Gene Ford, Dustin's late father, was a respected basketball coach and is in the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame, influencing Dustin's coaching legacy.

How long did Dustin Ford work with John Groce at Akron?

Dustin Ford worked alongside John Groce for 18 seasons, gaining valuable experience in coaching.

What impact did high school basketball have on the community in Cambridge, Ohio?

High school basketball games in Cambridge, Ohio, drew large crowds, often leaving homes empty on Friday nights, highlighting the sport's significance in the community.