Oakland Basketball Conference: Where Do They Belong?

what conference is oakland basketball in

The Oakland Golden Grizzlies men's basketball team represents Oakland University in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team, coached by Greg Kampe, competes in the NCAA Division I Horizon League and plays their home games at the Athletics Center O'rena. Oakland played in the NCAA Division II until 1997, when they changed their nickname to the Golden Grizzlies and began the transition to Division I. They joined the Horizon League starting in the 2013-14 season.

Characteristics Values
Team Name Oakland Golden Grizzlies
University Oakland University
Location Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States
Conference Horizon League
League Level NCAA Division I
Home Games Stadium Athletics Center O'rena
Coach Greg Kampe
Previous Conferences Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC); Mid-Continent Conference (now the Summit League)

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Oakland Golden Grizzlies men's basketball team

The Oakland Golden Grizzlies men's basketball team represents Oakland University in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team competes in the Horizon League and plays home games at the Athletics Center O'rena. The Golden Grizzlies are coached by Greg Kampe, the longest-tenured active Division I head coach.

The Oakland men's basketball program began competing in the 1967 season, 10 years after the university opened. Originally nicknamed the Pioneers, they won their first NCAA game against Albion in overtime. The Pioneers joined the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) in 1974. Oakland played at the Division II level until 1997 when they changed their nickname to the Golden Grizzlies and began the transition to Division I. The Golden Grizzlies completed the transition to Division I in 1999 and joined the Mid-Continent Conference, now known as The Summit League.

In 2010, Oakland made their second trip to the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship tournament after winning the Summit League Tournament. They have appeared in four Division I NCAA Tournaments, with an overall record of 2-4. The Golden Grizzlies have also appeared in one National Invitation Tournament, with a record of 1-1, and four CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournaments (CIT), with an overall record of 4-4.

Oakland's rivalry against the Detroit Mercy Titans is known as the Metro Series, with Oakland leading the series 20-10. Notable Oakland players include Marshall, Mike Helms, Kelly Williams, and Rawle Marshall, who became the first player from the university to make an NBA roster.

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Oakland University in Auburn Hills, Michigan

Oakland University, located in Auburn Hills, Michigan, is a public doctoral institution that offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities to its students. The university was established in 1957 when Matilda Dodge Wilson and her husband donated their 1,443-acre estate, including Meadow Brook Hall and other buildings, to Michigan State University. The main campus, which was completed in Pontiac Township (now Auburn Hills), enrolled its first students in 1959 and gained official independence from Michigan State University in 1970.

Oakland University's campus spans across Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills, featuring trails, biking paths, and two nationally ranked golf courses. The university's academic programmes include 139 bachelor's degree programmes and 127 graduate degree and certificate programmes. It is organised into several colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business Administration, and the School of Health Sciences.

The university also has a strong focus on research and innovation. It supports various major research centres and institutes, such as the Center for Biomedical Research, the Center for Robotics and Advanced Automation, and the renowned Eye Research Institute. Additionally, Oakland University's Smart Zone Business Incubator fosters new technology-based and life science businesses.

Oakland University's athletic teams, known as the Golden Grizzlies, compete in various sports, including basketball. The basketball team's conference affiliation is not explicitly mentioned, but the university's location in Auburn Hills, Michigan, indicates that they likely compete within the state's intercollegiate athletic framework. The university's dynamic campus fosters a diverse and inclusive community, empowering students to excel in their chosen fields and make a positive impact on Michigan and beyond.

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The team competes in the Horizon League

The Oakland Golden Grizzlies men's basketball team represents Oakland University in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team competes in the Horizon League and plays their home games at the Athletics Center O'rena. Oakland joined the Horizon League in the 2013-14 season.

The Golden Grizzlies have a rich basketball history, dating back to the 1967 season, ten years after the university opened. Originally known as the Pioneers, Oakland competed in the NCAA Division II until 1997 when they transitioned to Division I. During their time in Division II, they reached the postseason four times and appeared in four NCAA Division II Tournaments.

In 1999, the Golden Grizzlies completed their transition to Division I and joined the Mid-Continent Conference, now known as The Summit League. Oakland made their first NCAA Division I Tournament appearance in 2005, led by Rawle Marshall, who became the first player from the university to make an NBA roster. In 2010, Oakland made their second trip to the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship tournament, and they have since appeared in four Division I NCAA Tournaments.

The Golden Grizzlies have experienced success in the Horizon League, winning the Horizon League Tournament in 2024 behind Conference Player of the Year Trey Townsend. They play their home games at the Athletics Center O'rena, and the men's basketball team is currently coached by Greg Kampe, one of the longest-serving active coaches in Division I.

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Coached by Greg Kampe

The Oakland Golden Grizzlies are an NCAA Division I college basketball team, currently led by head coach Greg Kampe. Kampe was born on December 9, 1955, and has been coaching basketball at Oakland University since at least 1998, making him the longest-tenured men's college basketball coach.

Kampe has achieved notable success with the Golden Grizzlies, guiding them to their first NCAA Division I tournament in 2005, where they won in the First Four round. In 2024, Kampe led the team to their first Horizon League tournament championship, defeating the Milwaukee Panthers 83-76. This was followed by a victory over the 3-seed Kentucky in the NCAA tournament. Kampe has also been recognised for his individual achievements, having been inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan (BCAM) Hall of Fame.

In addition to his coaching duties, Kampe has been actively involved in charitable initiatives. In 2015, he raised over $200,000 for the American Cancer Society through an auction for rounds of golf at Oakland Hills Country Club with other NCAA college basketball coaches. Kampe's dedication to his craft and his community has solidified his standing as one of the most respected coaches in college basketball.

Kampe's coaching philosophy has had a significant impact on the Golden Grizzlies' style of play. Known for his strategic mindset, he often employs innovative tactics and places a strong emphasis on defence. Under his guidance, the team has developed a reputation for their disciplined defence and efficient offence. Kampe's ability to scout and develop talent has also contributed to the team's success, with players crediting his mentorship for their growth as athletes and individuals.

With a career record of over 700 wins, Kampe has established himself as one of the most successful coaches in NCAA history. His longevity and consistent success at Oakland University have earned him widespread respect, and he continues to shape the Golden Grizzlies into a formidable force in college basketball.

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Golden Grizzlies joined the Horizon League in 2013

The Oakland Golden Grizzlies men's basketball team represents Oakland University in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team, coached by Greg Kampe, competes in the Horizon League and plays their home games at the Athletics Center O'rena.

The Golden Grizzlies basketball program began competing in the 1967 season, ten years after the university opened. Originally nicknamed the Pioneers, they won their first NCAA game against Albion in overtime. The Pioneers were without a conference until 1974 when they joined the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). In 1997, the team changed its nickname to the Golden Grizzlies and began the transition to Division I.

The Golden Grizzlies joined the Horizon League starting in the 2013-14 season. They had previously competed in the Mid-Continent Conference (now known as The Summit League). In the 2016-17 season, Oakland placed first in their league, earning a trip to the National Invitation Tournament. In 2021, they lost their 1,000-day streak of winning against Detroit Mercy. The Golden Grizzlies last played in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament in 2024.

Frequently asked questions

The Oakland Golden Grizzlies men's basketball team represents Oakland University and competes in the Horizon League.

Oakland University joined the Horizon League starting in the 2013-14 season.

Oakland University played in the NCAA Division II until 1997 and moved to Division I in 1999, joining the Mid-Continent Conference (now known as The Summit League).

The Oakland University men's basketball team is called the Oakland Golden Grizzlies.

The Oakland University women's basketball team is also called the Oakland Golden Grizzlies.

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