In a surprising upset, No. 14 Oakland University defeated No. 3 Kentucky in the first round of the men’s NCAA Tournament. While Jack Gohlke received praise for his 32-point performance, forward Trey Townsend played a key role in the victory, scoring 17 points and grabbing 12 rebounds for a double-double. Townsend, known as “Mr. Oakland” for his contributions to the team, was instrumental in helping them make the tournament. Despite having one more year of eligibility, it is unlikely that Townsend will return for another season with the Golden Grizzlies.
With the introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, Townsend has the option to enter the transfer portal and potentially join another program that may offer him a significant amount of money. It is estimated that he could be offered between $250,000 and $300,000 to make the move. Oakland head coach Greg Kampe acknowledges the financial incentives that Townsend may receive and understands that it will be challenging to convince him to stay with the team for another year, especially after his impressive performance during the tournament.
During the 2023-24 season, Townsend had his best performance, averaging 17.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game while playing an average of 36.4 minutes. Kampe, who has known Townsend since he was a young child, has developed a close relationship with the player over the years. He views Townsend almost like a son and acknowledges that his departure will be difficult for the team, given the bond they share. Despite having other family members who have excelled in different sports and industries, Kampe values the connection he has with Townsend on the basketball court.
Although Townsend has not officially entered the transfer portal following Oakland’s loss to NC State in the second round of the tournament, the possibility remains that he could explore other opportunities elsewhere. Kampe recognizes the talent and potential that Townsend possesses and understands that he will have to make a difficult decision about his future in collegiate basketball. As discussions and negotiations continue, it is uncertain whether Townsend will ultimately choose to remain at Oakland or pursue a new opportunity that may come with lucrative financial benefits.
The situation involving Trey Townsend highlights the evolving landscape of college sports, where players have more opportunities to capitalize on their image and likeness. As the NCAA and schools navigate these changes, coaches like Kampe must adapt to new challenges in retaining talented players like Townsend. The decision that Townsend makes will have a significant impact on both his future career and the Oakland University basketball program, as they strive to remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment.
