The NCAA Tournament is a stage where dreams are realized, and matchups can define legacies. For Oakland coach Greg Kampe, the impending clash against the Kentucky Wildcats is not just another game—it’s an opportunity to shine on college basketball’s grandest stage.
The Friendship Connection between Greg Kampe and John Calipari
Kampe and Kentucky head coach John Calipari share a longstanding friendship. Their bond extends beyond the hardwood, and they even exchanged texts after Oakland’s victory over Milwaukee in the Horizon League Tournament. Little did they know that fate would pair them up in the Big Dance.
Calipari himself praised Kampe, acknowledging his coaching prowess. “He’s not a good coach, he’s a great coach,” Calipari emphasized. Kampe’s tenure at Oakland has been marked by consistency and dedication, and now he faces one of the blue bloods of college basketball.
“One is this is primetime (slot). We get to play at 7 o’clock on CBS with the A-team on the telecast. All that stuff,” Greg Kampe said. “That’s what you want when you’re in this. You want your kids to have a chance to be in the spotlight. That was No. 1.
“No. 2, you got maybe the biggest blue blood of them all. I think the guy in East Lansing (Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo) is the best coach in the country, but Cal is right there with him.”
Prime Time Exposure: The matchup against Kentucky puts Oakland in the spotlight. A 7 o’clock game on CBS with the A-team broadcasting crew—what more could a coach ask for? Kampe wants his players to thrive under the bright lights.
The Challenge Ahead for Greg Kampe
As the Golden Grizzlies prepare for battle, Kampe’s excitement is palpable. It’s not just about the game; it’s about seizing the moment, embracing the challenge, and leaving a mark. Whether they can upset the Wildcats remains to be seen, but Kampe’s belief in his team is unwavering.
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