Oakland Golden Grizzlies are the new Horizon League champions? It has been quite some time since head coach Greg Kampe hasn’t had expected results from his campaigns. In fact, this is the first time since the Grizzlies changed their league in 2014 and also the first time since 2011 that the team will enter the NCAA Tournament.

Sharing his elation with the world, Kampe talks about when he knew it was their time in ‘the Field of 68: After Dark‘. The coach said, “Walking off the floor at Ohio State, we opened at Ohio State. We led for 34 minutes, we got a bad call with a minute to go. Lampman should have been at the free throw line a 94% shooter to shoot two. They gave them the ball out of bounds, they made a three and they beat us.”

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He continued his observation saying, “Then we go to Illinois three days later and in that environment, we’re tied with six minutes to go.” Concluding his thought, the head coach said, “I knew we had a real chance, we won at Xavier.” These three teams were the toughest competition for the Grizzlies.

Although they did lose to the first two, the difference wasn’t much, and both the teams gave their best. Further, they won over the Musketeers 78-76 back in Nov, proving their newfound potential. Kampe also shared his thoughts on winning the league title after all these years.

“It’s been a minute for us”: Kampe on winning Xavier league title in NCAA

Kampe also shared his delight in winning the league title after over a decade of dry spells. He said, “It’s been a minute for us. We went three times in six years, we changed leagues. And as good as our teams have been, I’ve had three NBA players who didn’t get to go to the NCAA tournament. So, to do it is special, you just don’t know how hard it is.”

Talking about the tough level of the Horizon League, he continued, “Our league has five teams that won 20 games and we had to play three of them in this tournament. And then to win the regular season, we were able to do it. And to do both, it’s hard, it’s just special.”

Praising his much-deserving team, he mentioned that he has special kids and while every coach would say something like that after winning, he said, “But we really are.”

Oakland’s comeback has really been an inspiration this time. After running a 23-11 win-loss campaign, they will find out on Sunday who their next challenge is going to be. Nevertheless, this time is to cheer for their return.

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