National Bobblehead Museum honoring Greg Kampe, Oakland with latest release
Tony PaulOakland coach Greg Kampe is too self-deprecating to get a big head.
But, Kampe is getting his own bobblehead.
Kampe, who led the Golden Grizzlies to Horizon League regular-season and tournament championships as well as a stunning upset of Kentucky to make the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32 for the first time, had his bobblehead unveiled Monday by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum on Monday morning.
There are two versions of the Kampe bobblehead available, one in a while Oakland pullover jacket, and another in a black pullover jacket. On each, he is holding an Oakland basketball, with the Golden Grizzlies logo.
"We’re excited to be teaming up with Oakland and Coach Kampe to release these bobbleheads featuring one of the winningest coaches in college basketball,” Phil Sklar, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO, said in a statement Monday, as the bobbleheads became available. “The Golden Grizzlies made their fans very proud during March Madness and gained a lot of new fans across the country.
"These bobbleheads are the perfect way for alumni, students, faculty, staff, and fans to show off their support for Coach Kampe and the Golden Grizzlies.”
Each of the bobbleheads are individually numbered, from 1 to 2,024. There also is a bobblehead of the school's mascot, Grizz, wearing a black Oakland jersey.
The Kampe bobbleheads are $30, and the Grizz ones are $35, plus $8 for shipping. They can be purchased here.
Led by seniors Trey Townsend, Blake Lampman, Chris Conway and Rocket Watts, Oakland went 24-12 this past season, winning the Horizon League tournament for the first time to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2011. The Golden Grizzlies then beat Kentucky, 80-76, in the opening round, before falling to eventual Final Four participant N.C. State, 79-73, in overtime, in the second round. It was Kampe's 40th season at Oakland.
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Milwaukee, and opened in 2019.
tpaul@detroitnews.com
@tonypaul1984