In a stunning upset during the first round of the men’s NCAA Tournament, No. 14 Oakland University defeated No. 3 Kentucky, with Jack Gohlke shining with 32 points from insane 3-point shooting. However, forward Trey Townsend also played a crucial role in the victory, scoring 17 points and grabbing 12 rebounds for a double-double. Townsend, known as “Mr. Oakland,” was a key factor in Oakland making it to the tournament in the first place according to head coach Greg Kampe. Despite having one more year of eligibility, Kampe doesn’t think Townsend will be finishing his collegiate career with the Golden Grizzlies due to enticing offers from other programs and potential NIL deals.
With the introduction of NIL deals, Townsend has the option to enter the transfer portal and move to another program that may offer lucrative financial opportunities. Kampe is aware that Townsend could be offered significant sums, potentially ranging from $250,000 to $300,000, making it difficult for him to advise Townsend to stay at Oakland. Despite this, Townsend had his best season in 2023-24, averaging 17.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists over 36.4 minutes per game. Kampe’s longstanding relationship with Townsend, whom he has known since he was four years old, makes the potential departure even more challenging for the coach, describing Townsend as close to having a son play for him.
Kampe acknowledged that Townsend’s departure would be tough for him personally, as Townsend’s performance on the court has been key to the team’s success. The possibility of Townsend leaving Oakland to pursue other opportunities has been looming since Oakland’s tournament run ended in the second round against No. 11 NC State, with the team falling short in a 79-73 loss. While Townsend has not officially entered the transfer portal, the potential for him to move to another program remains a significant consideration for both the player and the coaching staff. The departure of such a key player would undoubtedly have a significant impact on the Oakland team and their future prospects in college basketball.
The future remains uncertain for Townsend as he weighs his options and potentially evaluates lucrative offers from other programs. While Kampe recognizes the financial incentives that Townsend may receive elsewhere, he reflects on Townsend’s integral role in Oakland’s journey to the NCAA Tournament and his personal connection to the player. The decision will ultimately be up to Townsend, who has the opportunity to explore his options while considering the impact of his choice on his collegiate career and future endeavors in basketball. As the college basketball landscape continues to evolve with the introduction of NIL deals, players like Townsend are presented with new opportunities and challenges as they navigate their careers in the sport.
