Oakland’s Kampe was already a legend, but now it’s certifiable

If you consider Oakland College hoops you consider Greg Kampe. That is, in fact, assuming you consider Oakland College hoops, which in all probability would not occur to many school basketball followers outdoors of Rochester, Michigan.

Now in his fortieth season as head coach of the Golden Grizzlies, Kampe was already a legend within the metro Detroit space. 

He had joined Oakland in 1984 after six seasons on the bench on the College of Toledo as an assistant. He slowly however absolutely constructed a program that turned identified for achievement. A lot in order that heading into 2023-24 he boasted seven 20-win seasons at Oakland, which included eight postseason berths in 9 seasons in addition to three runs to the NCAA Event (2005, 2010 and 2011).

The Golden Grizzlies went 24-11 this season and punched their ticket to March Insanity — their first since 2011 — with an 83-76 win over Milwaukee within the Horizon League championship sport. 

Seeded No. 14 within the South Area of the event, Oakland was anticipated to be an appetizer for John Calipari’s three-seeded Kentucky Wildcats as they warmed up for what was anticipated to be a pleasant run within the event.

Reasonably than roll over, although, Kampe’s veteran and well-coached crew punched Kentucky within the mouth each probability it obtained.

Senior Guard Jack Gohlke was phenomenal for the Golden Grizzlies, hitting 10 three-pointers (seven within the first half) and junior ahead Trey Townsend — whose mother and father have been each athletes at Oakland — completed with 17 factors, 12 rebounds, two steals and a block.

There was little question going into the sport that Kentucky had the higher athletes, in addition to the higher general crew from a expertise viewpoint, however Kampe’s Golden Grizzlies have been fearless and poised. 

He coached the sport of his life, and when younger Kentucky stars like Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham (two possible NBA lottery picks) have been wilting below the highlight, Kampe willed his crew to victory one shot at a time.