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

When you think of Oakland University hoops you think of Greg Kampe. That's, of course, assuming you think of Oakland University hoops, which probably doesn't happen to many college basketball fans outside of Rochester, Michigan.

Now in his 40th season as head coach of the Golden Grizzlies, Kampe was already a legend in the metro Detroit area. 

He had joined Oakland in 1984 after six seasons on the bench at the University of Toledo as an assistant. He slowly but surely built a program that became known for success. So much so that heading into 2023-24 he boasted seven 20-win seasons at Oakland, which included eight postseason berths in nine seasons as well as three runs to the NCAA Tournament (2005, 2010 and 2011).

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

Seeded No. 14 in the South Region of the tournament, Oakland was expected to be an appetizer for John Calipari's three-seeded Kentucky Wildcats as they warmed up for what was expected to be a nice run in the tournament.

Rather than roll over, though, Kampe's veteran and well-coached team punched Kentucky in the mouth every chance it got.

Senior Guard Jack Gohlke was phenomenal for the Golden Grizzlies, hitting 10 three-pointers (seven in the first half) and junior forward Trey Townsend — whose parents were both athletes at Oakland — finished with 17 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and a block.

There was no doubt going into the game that Kentucky had the better athletes, as well as the better overall team from a talent point of view, but Kampe's Golden Grizzlies were fearless and poised. 

He coached the game of his life, and when young Kentucky stars like Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham (two likely NBA lottery picks) were wilting under the spotlight, Kampe willed his team to victory one shot at a time.