When Oakland and Michigan State square off on the hardwood each year, it’s more than just a non-conference matchup-it’s a meeting built on mutual respect between two of the longest-tenured head coaches in college basketball. Greg Kampe and Tom Izzo have forged a relationship that goes beyond the game, and it’s become tradition for them to hold a joint post-game press conference, a rare sight in today’s ultra-competitive landscape.
But don’t let the post-game camaraderie fool you-when the ball tips, Oakland doesn’t back down. Year after year, Kampe’s Golden Grizzlies bring the fight to Michigan State, and this season was no exception.
Oakland led for stretches in the first half and kept the game within striking distance throughout, staying within 10 points for most of the contest. That kind of effort is exactly why Izzo continues to schedule this game-it sharpens both teams, builds toughness, and provides a true test heading into the heart of the season.
After the game, both coaches had high praise for each other’s programs. Izzo credited Oakland for their grit and physicality, calling them a tough out.
Kampe, meanwhile, didn’t hold back when talking about Michigan State’s potential. In his eyes, the Spartans have the tools to win it all.
“This is why I say he (Izzo) can win the National Championship,” Kampe said. “0 (Jaxon Kohler) is unbelievable.
15 (Carson Cooper) is playing the best he's ever played. That's because he stayed and let himself be coached.
He's got kids that want to be coached and learn.”
That’s the kind of endorsement that carries weight-especially from a coach who’s faced multiple top-10 teams this season. Kampe believes Michigan State can beat every one of them.
And frankly, he’s not wrong to think that. The Spartans check the boxes you look for in a title contender.
They’ve got a high-level floor general in Jeremy Fears Jr., who’s quickly establishing himself as one of the top point guards in the country. They’ve got a defense that ranks among the best in the nation-a hallmark of Izzo’s best teams.
And they’ve got frontcourt depth that’s starting to blossom at just the right time.
Jaxon Kohler, wearing No. 0, has taken a major leap. Kampe called him “unbelievable,” and it’s easy to see why.
He’s added polish to his post game and is playing with the kind of confidence that makes him a matchup problem. Carson Cooper, No. 15, is turning in the best basketball of his career.
He’s embraced Izzo’s coaching, stayed the course, and now he’s reaping the rewards.
Add in a deep bench, contributions from young players, and a shooting stroke that’s starting to heat up, and Michigan State is shaping into a team no one will want to see in March.
Izzo’s done this before. He knows what it takes to win six games in the NCAA Tournament. And with this group, he just might have the right mix to do it again.
Kampe sees it. The numbers back it up. And if the Spartans keep building the way they are, don’t be surprised if Izzo is cutting down nets come April.