Greg Kampe, formerly assistant men’s basketball coach at the University of Toledo, has been selected to replace Lee Frederick as the university’s men’s basket-ball coach. Upon Athletic Director Paul Hartman’s announcement Tuesday, Kampe reported to OU where he immediately began at his new post.
Kampe spent six years at Toledo under Head Coach Bob Nichols. Toledo, a Division Ischool, has been very successful under the leadership of Kampe’s mentor. Hartman had much applause for his choice: “He (Kampe) has outstanding recommendations that were very sincere. He knows the type of players it will take to win the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference and his contacts in the Michigan area will make recruiting one of his strengths.”
The 29-year-old plans on a successful career here at OU. I think this is a great job with tremendous potential,” he said. “. “I feel there is unlimited potential at Oakland University. This is an exciting time for me and I left a secure situation for this opportunity because of the potential this program has to be successful.”
Kampe thinks it will be tough to salvage these last few weeks of the recruiting season, but he hopes to get something out of the limited amount of time anyway. As for switching from Division I to Division II, Kampe thinks the switch will not be all that hard.
“The talent level is, of course, different. We’re gonna try to get some Division I players into our program. There’s really not that much difference between good Division II ball and Division I.”
Kampe hopes to have a good relationship with the Oakland 100 Club. He does not see the fact that he is not Lee Frederick (the founder of the club) hurting his chances of soliciting money for his program.
“I think those who have supported basketball in the past will continue to do so no matter who the coach is,” he said. “My job is to make Oakland’s basketball program successful. I’ll do whatever they want to help the 100 club.”
Kampe is hoping to have two assistant coaches under him. His number one priority now is recruiting and he is probably seeking a staff which would benefit him in that respect.
“I think Oakland has made a commitment to become competitive,” he said. “I think we’ll be an exciting team to watch.”
Kampe’s game will probably run different than the “run and gun” offense that Lee Frederick had taught his players. Kampe’s game should be characterized by a strong defense and an offense which would rely mostly on plays inside the key.
Kampe is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a bachelor’s degree in business and journalism.
