Oakland Coach Greg Kampe Describes The Difficulty In Keeping Star Players At Smaller Schools

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One of the best parts of the NCAA Tournament is seeing small schools from mid-major conferences upset teams from the Power 5. This year's tournament didn't feature too many of those upsets, but one came in the form of #14 Oakland upsetting #3 Kentucky. Although Jack Gohlke was the star in that game, the best player on head coach Greg Kampe's roster was Trey Townsend.

Unfortunately for Oakland and Kampe, reality set in after the team fell in the Round of 32 against another double-digit seed, the #11 N.C. State Wolfpack. The Wolfpack will try to continue their Cinderella-run in the Sweet 16 against #2 Marquette, while Oakland and Kampe prepare for next season. Unfortunately, they will probably have to try and repeat their success without Townsend. 

Oakland basketball player Trey Townsend reacts after hitting a three-pointer during the NCAA Tournament.

Oakland basketball player Trey Townsend reacts after hitting a three-pointer during the NCAA Tournament.

(USA Today Sports)

Kampe joined OutKick's Dan Dakich on "Don't @ Me" and said Townsend is likely to enter the transfer portal to pursue six-figure NIL deals at larger schools. 

"They call [Townsend] Mr. Oakland here, but … the only reason he's got another year is the COVID year. So, he gave us four years. He's got his degree," Kampe said. 

"He's going to get offered so much money and I can't [match that]. We've got a 'Keep Trey Townsend Fund' going from our [NIL] collective, and we might be able to get $40-50,000 in there, but he's looking at $250-300,000 from what I'm being told. So, it's going to be hard for me to tell him to stay." 

Oakland head coach Greg Kampe discussed the difficulty of keeping star players like Trey Townsend at small schools during NIL era.

Oakland head coach Greg Kampe discussed the difficulty of keeping star players like Trey Townsend at small schools during NIL era.

(USA Today Network)

Kampe's relationship with Townsend is one that carries a significant bond for the head coach, but even that can't stop a player from taking the money when it's offered. That's the reality for small schools in the NIL era. 

"He's as close to having a son play for you as I could have had," Kampe said. "I've known the kid since he was four … [but] he'll probably go in the portal, and he'll probably be playing at a Big Ten arena near you some day soon." 

WATCH: 

Oakland's Greg Kampe on the Challenge of Retaining Star Players at Small Schools

Catch "Don't @ Me" with Dan Dakich every day on OutKick.com from 9-11 a.m. E.T.

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to OutKick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named "Brady" because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.