Forty years ago, Greg Kampe assumed the role of head coach at a relatively obscure Division II institution, Oakland University.
Kampe, then 28 years old, possessed an abundance of confidence and perhaps a touch of naivety when he candidly shared his career aspirations during an interview with Larry Donald, the editor of Basketball Times magazine at the time.
“I told him, ‘My plan is to win the D-II national championship this year and then get the UCLA job,” Kampe reminisced. “He burst out laughing and said, ‘I’m going to use this.’
“Oh, the things we say in our youth.”
Now aged 68, Kampe chuckled as he recalled the anecdote last week from the same Oakland University campus, which had transformed into a sizable and contemporary institution with a Division I athletic program.
Despite Oakland’s failure to secure the D-II title and Kampe never receiving a call from UCLA, numerous other schools expressed interest in him. Nevertheless, everything fell into place just as it should have.
This includes guiding his team, now Division I and seeded 14th, the Golden Grizzlies, to a remarkable 80-76 victory over No. 3 Kentucky and their renowned coach John Calipari in the first round of the NCAA tournament – an unprecedented triumph in the program’s history. Prior to this, Oakland’s sole NCAA tournament victory occurred in the First Four in 2005.
What Kampe once perceived as a temporary stopover has evolved into a lifelong commitment. He meticulously cultivated a program at what was once predominantly a commuter school, so obscure that even local recruits mistook its location for California (it’s named after the county it resides in).
Every facet of Oakland University bears Kampe’s influence. The team’s success in the late 1990s, which included four D-II NCAA appearances, led to the construction of the 4,000-seat O’rena, a top-tier mid-major facility. This progression propelled the team from Division II to Division I and through various conferences, culminating in the Horizon League.
Kampe’s tenure has seen the development of five NBA players, four Division I March Madness appearances, and a total of 698 career wins. He is a familiar figure both on and off campus, renowned for his down-to-earth demeanor, infectious humor, and passion for golf.
Kampe is dedicated to fundraising for charitable causes, particularly Coaches vs. Cancer. His commitment knows no bounds, as evidenced by his recent stint volunteering at a McDonald’s drive-thru to sell Shamrock Shakes, with proceeds benefiting the Ronald McDonald House.
Kampe’s loyalty to Oakland University has been unwavering. Despite opportunities to coach at higher-profile programs, he declined, preferring to remain in the place he and his wife Sue raised their three sons. Over the years, his attachment to Oakland deepened, and he took pride in the program’s growth and achievements.
Despite his widespread respect in the coaching community, Kampe realized that Oakland’s standing made it unlikely for him to land a coaching job in a major conference. Nevertheless, he embraced his role, focusing on nurturing personal connections and individual player development.
The camaraderie within the team is palpable, with players joining from various backgrounds, including high schools, junior colleges, and transfers from other programs. Kampe’s adaptability and emphasis on unity have fostered a close-knit group, exemplified by the success of players like Trey Townsend, who chose to stay at Oakland despite opportunities elsewhere.
In the end, Kampe’s journey underscores a valuable lesson – that sometimes the most fulfilling path lies right where you are, rather than chasing after perceived greener pastures.
