Greg Kampe loves him some Tom Izzo, and vice versa. The two head coaches have plenty of respect for one another, and it’s one of the reasons that the yearly Oakland vs. Michigan State basketball game is so fun for everyone involved.
It’s also one of the reasons the two coaches do a joint post-game press conference every year now.
Both coaches are extremely complimentary of each other and their respective programs before and after the games, but I’d be willing to bet Izzo isn’t a huge fan of Kampe during the annual matchup because Oakland always seems to give Michigan State a fight. This year was no different as the Golden Grizzlies were leading for a good chunk of the first half and then stayed within 10 for most of the game.
This game usually makes both sides better in the long run, though.
Izzo said after the game that he really likes Oakland this year because they play tough basketball and they’re not an easy out, and Kampe loves Michigan State because he believes they can win it all.
Kampe said that Michigan State has the tools to win a national title this year.
Greg Kampe: "This is why I say he (Izzo) can win the National Championship. 0 (Kohler) is unbelievable. 15 (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."
— Emmett Matasovsky (@E_Matasovsky57) December 20, 2025
He also went on to say that Oakland has played multiple top-10 teams this season, and he believes that Michigan State can beat every single one of them.
Talk about high praise.
Michigan State does have the pieces to make a run
I’ve said this time and time again, all good national title teams have two things: a great point guard and an elite defense. Michigan State has both of those.
Jeremy Fears Jr. is one of the best point guards in the country and Michigan State has a top-10 defense this season. Combine that with two post players who Kampe raved about as being incredibly improved, and Michigan State has exactly what you need to make a run in March and win six straight games down the stretch.
Jaxon Kohler is “unbelievable” according to Kampe, and Carson Cooper is playing the best he’s ever played. The bench is deep, the young guys are contributing, and the shooting is improving.
It’s incredible how good of a job Izzo has done with this team, and Kampe agrees.
Michigan State has what it takes to get Izzo No. 2 this year.