As the Horizon League schedule intensifies, the Oakland University men’s basketball program stands at a critical juncture defined by both statistical promise and structural challenges.
Following a non-conference slate that tested the roster against elite programs like Michigan, Houston, and Purdue, the identity of this team has been forged in high-pressure environments.
While Coach Greg Kampe’s signature zone defense remains a staple, the individual execution within that system has varied significantly, requiring a deep dive into player efficiency, offensive ratings (ORTG), and individual mechanics.
This report serves as a formal evaluation of the rotation, utilizing advanced metrics from the BartTorvik T-Rank model to distinguish between high-level execution and areas requiring immediate developmental attention.
The Backcourt Stabilizers
Brody Robinson | Grade: A+
Robinson has established himself as the premier “Pure PG” within the conference, currently logging a team-high 88.1% of available minutes.
He is a disciplined floor general who thrives on efficiency rather than raw volume, maintaining a 119.0 ORTG while shouldering a 23.1% usage rate.
His playmaking is sophisticated, evidenced by a 29.1% assist rate balanced against a manageable 16.6% turnover rate.
Despite his 5’11” frame, he plays with a level of physicality that allows him to drive hard and fast to the rim without fear of contact.
This aggressiveness is reflected in an elite 80.5 Free Throw Rate (FTR), forcing defenders into compromised positions and resulting in 104 made free throws on the season.
He’s the ultimate engine and enhancer of Oakland’s offense.
Impact and Mechanics: Robinson’s impact on the Golden Grizzlies’ system is undeniable, as he has effectively morphed into the next great “Kampe point guard”.
Mechanically, he possesses exceptional quickness and ball control, providing a sense of security whenever the rock is in his hands.
He is a proven three-level threat who can either take over games with his own scoring—such as his 27-point outburst against Purdue Fort Wayne, his career high 35 points against Wright State—or use his gravity to create open looks for teammates through high-level offensive execution.
Khoi Thurmon | Grade: C
Thurmon provides necessary depth at the guard position, but his transition has been more turbulent, reflected in a 79.9 ORTG.
Operating in a secondary role with a 30.7% minute share, he has struggled with defensive lapses and a high 30.5% turnover rate.
He is currently shooting 46.2% on 2-point attempts and just 1-of-10 from three-point range.
While his ability to step up in high-leverage moments—evidenced by his pivotal three-pointer against Northern Kentucky—shows potential, the statistical lack of efficiency and ball security necessitates a lower mark as he matures within the system.
Frontcourt Efficiency and Physicality
Isaac Garrett | Grade: A
Garrett has been the analytical standout of the season, posting a team-leading 119.7 ORTG.
Transitioning from Snow College with remarkable poise, the 6’8″ forward has shown elite finishing ability, going a perfect 16-of-16 on dunks and shooting 60.4% at the rim.
His creativity is underscored by the fact that he generates roughly 40.6% of his interior looks unassisted.
While his three-point shooting is currently at 29.4%, his 82.3% free-throw percentage on high volume perfectly mirrors his aggressiveness and ability to draw contact from the post.
Garrett’s ability to produce against elite defensive units like Houston’s, where he was one of the few players capable of generating offense, justifies his high mark.
One slide knock is his tendency to fall, especially in situations where he doesn’t need to.
It often leads to him being benched during crucial minutes so that he can stay out of foul trouble as his FC/40 (fouls committed per 40 minutes) is currently at a worrying rate of 4.3 per game.
Impact and Mechanics: Garrett provides a unique blend of size and skill that allows him to operate as a “playmaking forward”.
His mechanics around the rim are precise, utilizing his 219-pound frame to absorb contact and finish effectively.
He is a dominant rebounding force, evidenced by double-digit boards against high-level opponents like Michigan and Northern Kentucky.
His ability to step out and knock down the occasionally timely three-pointer adds a necessary “stretch” dimension to Oakland’s frontcourt.
Michael Houge | Grade: B+
The ceiling of this team remains largely dependent on Michael Houge, whose return from injury has fundamentally altered Oakland’s interior toughness.
Houge provides a masterclass in efficiency, maintaining a 60.1% True Shooting (TS) percentage and an effective field goal percentage of 55.1%.
He is a high-motor leader who excels at boxing out and securing contested rebounds, currently averaging a 16.1% defensive rebound rate.
Houge is particularly effective inside, shooting 56.1% on 2-point attempts.
His emerging ability to stretch the floor adds a tactical layer to the offense that was missing in November.
Impact and Mechanics: Houge’s veteran impact is most felt in his physical defensive presence and his “garbage man” ability to score off offensive putbacks.
Mechanically, he is a disciplined interior finisher who uses his 228-pound frame to carve out space in the paint.
His motor allows him to out-work opponents for second-chance opportunities, providing a critical physical edge during Horizon League play.
Wing Production and The Perimeter Game
Ziare Wells | Grade: B
Wells remains an athletic marvel whose advanced stats highlight both an explosive ceiling and technical limitations.
He carries a 113.8 ORTG and has proven to be a force on the glass with a 15.7% defensive rebound rate.
Wells is highly efficient when playing above the rim, converting 80% of his dunks and 62.7% of his attempts at the basket.
However, his overall impact is hindered by a heavy reliance on his left hand, often being forced by defenders toward his right where his efficiency drops.
This dependency frequently results in him settling for “far 2″ jumpers where he shoots only 35%.
Impact and Mechanics: Wells is a dynamic transition threat whose impact is often felt through high-energy defensive plays and highlight-reel finishes.
Mechanically, he possesses an elite vertical leap that allows him to compete for rebounds above his 6’6” height.
His jump shot remains a work in progress, but his ability to hit game-winning shots—such as his buzzer-beater against Toledo—shows a high level of confidence and “clutch” ability.
Brett White II | Grade: B-
White fulfills a specific and vital role as the team’s primary perimeter specialist.
He maintains a 114.9 ORTG largely due to his perimeter volume, having attempted 90 three-pointers at a 34.4% clip.
His 16.1% usage rate is one of the lowest among the starters, reflecting his utility as a floor spacer who does not turn the ball over frequently.
While he is nearly non-existent as an interior scorer, his gravity on the perimeter is essential for creating driving lanes for others.
His high-volume shooting on difficult, off-balance looks remains a crucial asset.
Impact and Mechanics: White’s mechanics are tailored for a “catch-and-shoot” role, with a quick release that allows him to fire even under heavy defensive pressure.
His impact on spacing cannot be overstated, as his three-point threat prevents defenses from sagging into the paint to stop Robinson or Garrett.
He also contributes as a gritty wing defender, utilizing his 6’6″ frame to disrupt passing lanes.
Nassim Mashhour | Grade: A (Medical)
Mashhour was a revelation before his sophomore season was tragically cut short by a complete knee tear.
Posting a 114.8 ORTG and a 54.5% effective field goal percentage, he was arguably the Grizzlies’ most efficient wing and an essential floor spacer.
His absence has created a significant void in secondary shot creation that the team has struggled to replicate.
Impact and Mechanics: Mashhour’s impact was most visible in his poise and confidence when driving to the basket fearlessly.
Mechanically, he showed solid feet and the ability to create his own looks at the rim.
Beyond his scoring, his defensive playmaking was a standout, evidenced by an impressive 2.5% steal percentage.
His ability to disrupt opponents on the perimeter provided a necessary defensive edge that Oakland now misses as he enters a four-to-six month recovery timeline.
Developmental Challenges and Rim Protection
Tuburu Naivalurua | Grade: B-
Naivalurua has faced the difficult task of transitioning to the center position out of necessity.
Standing at 6’8″, he is an undersized forward asked to play the five, which contributes to Oakland’s struggles in rim protection.
Despite this, he maintains a 113.8 ORTG and possesses sophisticated footwork in the paint, shooting 64.0% on “close 2” attempts.
He is a productive interior presence with an effortless touch, but his 27.3% three-point shooting indicates he is still searching for a consistent outside game.
Impact and Mechanics: Naivalurua’s impact is centered on his elite interior efficiency and rebounding “nose”.
Mechanically, he is a strong finisher who uses his 240-pound frame to initiate contact and score through traffic.
While his playmaking remains a secondary skill, his ability to “hammer down” dunks in transition provides a critical emotional lift for the Grizzlies.
Warren Marshall IV | Grade: C
Marshall has shown flashes of brilliance in limited time, posting an intriguing 116.1 ORTG over a 19.0% minute share.
He is 1-of-1 on dunks and 4-of-4 on free throws, but a low 9.8% usage rate highlights the fact that he is playing a cautious role as he integrates back from injury.
His potential and athletic ability remain high despite the sporadic minutes.
Nate Deer | Grade: D+
Despite his 7-foot frame, Deer has unfortunately fallen short of expectations.
He has yet to record a successful field goal in limited regular-season action and holds a struggling 38.5 ORTG over a 4.0% minute share.
While his 66.7 FTR indicates a willingness to absorb contact, the lack of tangible production and defensive presence in the paint necessitates a lower grade as the team seeks reliable frontcourt depth.
To remain competitive at the top of the Horizon League, Oakland will need to maintain their 58.7% collective rim finishing while finding ways to mitigate the lack of traditional rim protection.
The resilience of the Golden Grizzly roster will be tested as they look to replace Mashhour’s production and find consistent secondary scoring behind the trio of Robinson, Garrett, and Houge.