State of Mind: ‘Will the Thrill’ Hudson is Oakland’s glue-guy
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
ROCHESTER HILLS — Will Hudson has a tattoo on his left arm that offers up the phrase “State of Mind.”
STATE OF MIND: Will Hudson's trek to Rochester Hills and Oakland University wasn't expected, but the senior forwasrd has become of intregal part of the Golden Grizzlies' success story. Staff Photo | Larry McKee, wwwlmkcee.photography.com
Engraved in that same tattoo is the shape of his home state, Wisconsin.
“That will always be home,” smiled Hudson, who grew up near Madison, Wisconsin. “That’s where a lot of my family and friends are.”
While Hudson may have his heart in Wisconsin, he has found a new home in Rochester Hills, Michigan, at Oakland University.
The 6-foot-9 senior forward and three-year starter for the Golden Grizzles has loved his new confines, even at a place that he never heard of as recent as six years ago.
“When I got into high school, I had never heard of it,” he laughed. “I think that’s common. I’ve had conversations with people since I been here, and they asked about Oakland, California. I’ve had to explain to them exactly where this is.”
This is Michigan and Hudson is a big part of Oakland basketball program that has worked its way onto the map of college basketball. Hudson and Oakland reached the NCAA tournament for the second straight season, thanks to the Golden Grizzlies regular season and conference tournament championship in the Summit League — Oakland is 40-2 against league foresees the past two years.
Over the past 2.5 years, OU has won 49 of its last 52 games against Summit League foes.
The dominance has not transpired into NCAA success, although the Grizzlies did go 1-1 in the CollegeInsider.com tournament two years ago. Last season OU lost to Pittsburgh in the first round of the NCAA tournament, while the Grizzlies will face No. 8-ranked Texas in a second-round game Friday in Tulsa, Okla. OU is a 13th seed.
“Our goal the whole season is to get back to the NCAA tournament,” said Hudson. “Last year it is exciting to be there. Our goal is to get back and hopefully win a game.”
Hudson, who ranks third for the Golden Grizzlies in scoring and second in rebounding, has been a key member of the lineup all four years. He has helped Oakland finish as a semifinalist, a league runner-up and two-time champ in the conference tournament.
He has become Oakland’s glue guy, filling in the gaps with steady play without all of the praise and attention. Hudson was named to the second team all-league list two weeks ago.
“Will does so much for this program,” said veteran Oakland coach Greg Kampe. “So much attention is given to Keith Benson. But Will is a tough kid, a great kid who gets in there and does the dirty work. He’s one of the reasons why we were are where we are. He’s a very underrated player.”
Hudson was originally destined for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
“I was going to go there, but then the scholarship wasn’t there,” said Hudson, who was heartbroken not to be able to b play in his home state.
Hudson eventually ended up at Oakland — and as it turned out, was a blessing in disguise.
As for another tattoo on his arm, perhaps in the shape of a hand, that’s another story.
“I don’t think I’ll (get a tattoo) of Michigan,” laughed Hudson. “But I do love it here.”
And Oakland University loves Will Hudson.
To submit information to www.northoaklandsports.com, e-mail dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com. To advertise, e-mail advertising@northoaklandsports.com
Category: Colleges / Other, Oakland University
