The Golden Grizzlies men’s basketball team ended the season with a 13-19 overall record and were 11-9 in Horizon League play. 

One of the most memorable games was the overtime win against Eastern Michigan which set the tone for the season. The Golden Grizzlies showed their grit and heart, which they wore on their sleeve.

The men’s team also went on a winning surge with five wins in a row, ending the 2022 year in December and starting the new year on a high note in January. 

The month of February was filled with a stretch of tough competition. To start March off, Oakland needed to win three straight games to put them in position for March Madness.

The team had to square off against Northern Kentucky as the first game for the Barbasol Horizon League men’s basketball championship. Oakland fell short at a 81-74 score, and this concluded the season. 

During the span of the season, a handful of players were honored with several recognitions. Several individuals posted new single-game career highs in points, rebounds, assists and steals. 

Senior Jalen Moore scored his career-high of 37 points on Feb. 17 against the Titans of Detroit Mercy. His playmaking skills, and most importantly, his love for the game and desire to compete and win at the Division 1 college level, will surely be missed for men’s basketball. 

On senior night this year, Moore thanked fans for the ride, and Coach Greg Kampe referred to him as being an athlete that has had one of the best Oakland basketball careers.

Senior Keaton Hervey, who also brought so much talent to Oakland, is someone Kampe wished he had for his entire basketball career. Hervey is a player that makes those small plays that end up being so big in the end. His name on the back of an Oakland jersey will be missed, as well. 

“Those two seniors will go on and Oakland will have a special place in our heart for both Keaton and Jalen Moore,” Kampe said. 

Trey Townsend achieved a 1,000 career point milestone, as well as Horizon League All League second team honors. 

Blake Lampman had a career-high in points and blocks this year with 22 and four, respectively, against Cleveland State University.

Newcomer transfer student out of Mississippi State, Rocket Watts, had an impact on the team his first year at Oakland. He constantly took flight in several games, especially when it was needed most.

Oakland’s bench also stepped up, and great role players like Osei Price, Chris Conway, Lorne Bowman, Will Shepherd and Brody Parker all helped down the stretch of the season.

“We’ll be back next year,” Kampe said. “We’ll be back to battle.”

The Golden Grizzlies never failed to keep the fans of the O’rena engaged. As far as how this offseason goes, they are looking to get back in grind mode, because Kampe is exactly correct — they will be back. They will be back and even better, with a chip on their shoulder.