Tavari Johnson dipped a toe into the NCAA transfer portal before deciding to return to the University of Akron for his last dance in college basketball.

While the Akron men’s hoops team prepares to begin its 2025-26 season at 7 p.m. Nov. 3 against visiting James Madison, the Zips are glad Johnson is back as their starting point guard.

“It's easy for me to say this because it seems selfish, but I do think Tavari, with the help of key people around him, analyzed the situation really well and made a great decision to be a part of what we're doing moving forward,” Akron coach John Groce told the Beacon Journal during UA’s recent 2025 Tipoff Reception at Rhodes Arena. “I think it helps our team, but it also helps Tavari individually. I really believe that. I think it's a good fit.”

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