Each year, the holidays signal a new beginning for the Oakland University men's basketball team.
The conference season is right around the corner, and the end has arrived for the non-conference slate, which in recent years has resembled a death march.
Once again this year, Greg Kampe's Golden Grizzlies have not been afraid to take on all comers. Oakland has faced no less than five top-25 teams leading up to the start of Summit League play.
Traversing through the Big Ten, SEC and Big East conferences can be a roller-coaster ride for any program. On the surface, the thought of playing in the most intimidating buildings in the country has an adventurous appeal. Sort of like waiting in line to ride the Demon Drop at Cedar Point. It seems like a fun idea, until it's time to actually get on the ride.
But that's where the similarities end. The Grizzlies not only love getting in line, they embrace the ride as well.
Road trips to Kansas, Oregon and Syracuse last year were followed up by stops in West Virginia, Purdue, Illinois, Tennessee and Ohio State this year. The schedule also included a game at the Palace against Michigan State.
Prospects for success? Grim at best.
Yet the Golden Grizzlies gave the Boilermakers all they could handle. They led the Illini at the half, and played Michigan State to a one-point game. Then, Oakland upset No. 7 Tennessee on the road, and for two days they were bigger than Elvis, Mark Zuckerberg and the Pet Rock combined.
Ever since making the jump to Division 1, the goal for the Golden Grizzles was to increase their national profile. The exposure created by beating one of the top teams in the country is one of the best marketing tools available.
It wasn't too long ago when the Golden Grizzlies were greeted on the road with, "Hey, what's the weather like in California?"
Now, more and more basketball fans around the country know that Oakland is located in Michigan. The weather question has been replaced by, "Hey, great win over Tennessee," and "I watched your team in the NCAA Tournament last year."
Yet, aside from the increased exposure, Oakland has benefited in other ways by playing a killer schedule. Locking horns with the best teams in the nation will teach you a lot about what you have and also the areas that need improvement.
There are no Jared Sullingers, JaJuan Johnsons or Demetri McCameys walking around the Summitt League. Playing the best leads to increased confidence once conference play begins. Along the way, the Golden Grizzlies have learned a few things about their squad as well.
For instance, there is life after J.J. The graduation of four-year starter Johnathan Jones left a gaping hole at the point guard position. Yet, although Larry Wright, Reggie Hamilton and Ledrick Eackles are more known for their scoring ability, they have done a terrific job of taking turns running the show.
Will Hudson has taken a leap forward in his senior season, providing a presence up front with future NBA pick Keith Benson. The two have formed a dynamic offensive and rebounding duo.
Freshman Travis Bader has stepped in and provided a three-point threat immediately. Bader poured in 15 points at West Virginia in his first collegiate game and scored 17 against the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes.
It will be difficult to match last season's 17-1 conference record, especially with the travel involved in a Summit League campaign, but I wouldn't bet against this bunch. It is extremely well coached from the top on down.
Kampe has done a marvelous job of putting the pieces in place and guiding the ship, and a good chunk of credit goes to his assistants as well. Associate head coach Jeff Tungate and assistants Saddi Washington and Darren Sorenson work tirelessly to get the team prepared to compete day in and day out.
From recruiting, to scouting, to managing personalities, Kampe and his staff have a great thing going. The ultimate goal is to again reach the NCAA Tournament this season. This time the plan is to advance beyond the opening round.
The lessons learned in November and December just may make it possible.
(Mario Impemba is the radio voice of Oakland University basketball and the play-by-play man for FOX Sports Detroit's televised OU games.)
Dec. 27, 2010
