Kay Felder can elevate Oakland's reputation with strong NBA career Lev Facher, Special to the Detroit Free Press 2:55 p.m. EDT July 4, 2016 The focus, as Kay Felder celebrated being selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 54th overall pick (http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/2016/06/24/oakland­kay­felder­2016­nba­draft/86301806/) in last month’s NBA Draft, was on the man of the hour. But when the hubbub subsided and Felder’s coach of three seasons, Oakland’s Greg Kampe, had finished emphasizing how significant the milestone is for Felder and his family, he allowed himself a moment to reflect on what the selection says about his program. (Photo: Tim Fuller, USA TODAY Sports) “For the program, he’s our second guy drafted in five years,” Kampe said. “He’s our third NBA player in the last 10 years. I don’t know a lot of mid­major programs that can say that, so we’re very proud of that. From an Oakland side, it’s great.” Kampe is entering his 33rd season as Oakland’s head coach, making him the third­longest tenured leader of a Division I program. In that time, he’s coached three players who reached the NBA, all in the past decade. Former Grizzlies star Rawle Marshall became the first in 2006, when he signed with the Dallas Mavericks as an undrafted free agent. Keith Benson became the first Grizzly to be drafted, when the Atlanta Hawks took him in 2012 with the 48th overall pick. Neither player gained much traction in the NBA. Felder, who found himself nearly at a loss for words after the Cavaliers spent $2.4 million to acquire the selection (http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/2016/06/26/kay­felder­cleveland­cavaliers­nba­draft/86419908/) they used to draft him, seems to be in a prime position to stick on Cleveland’s roster, at least in the short term. So far, everything has gone according to Felder’s plans. The 5­foot­9 point guard said before he was drafted his plan was to play three years in college before hopefully entering the draft — an ambitious goal for any player, much less one at a mid­major program. Both Kampe and former Oakland assistant Saddi Washington said they have no concerns about Felder’s confidence. Felder cited Nate Robinson, a similarly undersized point guard who has played 10 seasons in the NBA, as inspiration that a player of his size and skill set can have success in the NBA. “It’s not often, especially for a mid­major program, to have a kid who is in a position to be an NBA draft pick,” said Washington, who’s now a member of John Beilein’s staff at Michigan. “What he’s been able to do over the course of his career has been nothing short of amazing.” Felder’s NBA journey has yet to begin in earnest, but the farther he goes, the better the implications for Kampe and Oakland, which wouldn’t mind a reputation as a program capable of incubating professional talent. “All those who call themselves the Oakland family, we appreciate his contributions,” Washington said. “He’s always going to be be a part of the Grizzly family.” • Oakland's Greg Kampe among the sexiest in college hoops (http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/2016/06/30/oakland­greg­kampe/86571320/) Be sure that you follow Freep Sports on Twitter (@freepsports (https://twitter.com/freepsports)) and Instagram (http://instagram.com/freepsports#) and like us on on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/freepsports)..