The Oakland University (OU) men’s basketball team has unveiled its highly anticipated 2024-25 schedule, packed with Power Four matchups, a trip to Hawaii, and a rematch with former Kentucky head coach John Calipari, now leading Arkansas.
The Golden Grizzlies tip off the season with two exhibition games: against the Michigan Wolverines on Oct. 20 and Rochester Christian University (RCU) on Oct. 25. Notably, the game against the Wolverines marks the debut of new Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May.
Although neither of the exhibition games will be played at the OU Credit Union O’Rena, the matchup against Michigan will occur at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The game against RCU will be played at RCU’s home arena, Garth Pleasant Arena, in Rochester, keeping the action close for Golden Grizzlies fans.
The Golden Grizzlies officially open their season at home against Defiance Yellow Jackets on Nov. 4. With OU’s head coach Greg Kampe one game shy of the 700-win mark, Kampe will look to earn his 700th win against the college from his hometown.
After Defiance, the Golden Grizzlies face a three-game road gauntlet: Boise State (Nov. 6), Illinois (Nov. 13) and Kansas (Nov. 16). The game against Illinois marks the second season in a row that OU will have a chance to earn a win over the Fighting Illini.
The Golden Grizzlies will then square off against in-state rival Eastern Michigan at home on Nov. 21 before making the short trip to take on the Toledo Rockets on Nov. 30.
On Dec. 5, OU begins conference play against the Wright State Raiders at home ahead of a clash with the Youngstown State Penguins on the road on Dec. 7.
After that, OU will face the Michigan State Spartans at Little Caesars Arena on Dec. 17 before another conference matchup with Cleveland State on the road on Dec. 19. Notably, the game against the Spartans marks the 13th consecutive season these teams have met.
Next, the Golden Grizzlies will pack their bags and take off to Hawaii to compete in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, a tournament featuring eight teams. OU kicks off the tournament against Loyola Chicago on Dec. 22.
After a matchup with Loyola Chicago, the Golden Grizzlies will take on either Oregon State or Charleston in the second round of the tournament on Dec. 23. In the third and final round of the tournament, OU will play either Nebraska, Murray State, Charlotte, or Hawai’i on Dec. 25.
OU will round out its nonconference schedule against Arkansas on Dec. 30 on the road. After a rematch with Calipari, the Golden Grizzlies will battle Horizon League Champion runner-ups Milwaukee at home on Jan. 2.
With a top-notch nonconference schedule, the Golden Grizzlies hope their games against high-caliber opponents will translate to the team having an easier time against Horizon League opponents.
A full look at the Golden Grizzlies’ schedule this upcoming season can be found below:
Oct. 20 vs. Michigan (Exhibition)
Oct. 25 at Rochester Christian (Exhibition)
Nov. 4 vs. Defiance
Nov. 6 at Boise State
Nov. 13 at Illinois
Nov. 16 at Kansas
Nov. 21 vs Eastern Michigan
Nov. 30 at Toledo
Dec. 5 vs Wright State*
Dec. 7 at Youngstown State*
Dec. 17 vs. Michigan State
Dec. 19 at Cleveland State*
Dec. 22 vs. Loyola Chicago (Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic)
Dec. 23 vs. TBD (Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic)
Dec. 25 vs. TBD (Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic)
Dec. 30 at Arkansas
Jan. 2 vs. Milwaukee*
Jan. 4 vs. Robert Morris*
Jan. 9 at Wright State*
Jan. 11 at Northern Kentucky*
Jan. 15 vs. IU Indy*
Jan. 18 at Detroit Mercy*
Jan. 22 vs. Purdue Fort Wayne*
Jan. 25 at Robert Morris*
Jan. 30 vs. Green Bay*
Feb. 1 vs. Northern Kentucky*
Feb. 6 vs. Youngstown State*
Feb. 12 at IU Indy*
Feb. 16 vs. Detroit Mercy*
Feb. 21 at Purdue Fort Wayne*
Feb. 23 vs. Cleveland State*
Feb. 27 at Milwaukee*
Mar. 1 at Green Bay*
* Indicates Horizon League matchup