[3] After graduating from St. Mel High School, Ociepka played college basketball at Quincy University.

After graduating from Quincy University in 1970, Ociepka became an assistant coach for Gordon Technical High School in Chicago.

[7] While coaching high school basketball, Ociepka served as a part-time volunteer scout for the Detroit Pistons in the 1980s.

[5] Ociepka has also served as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers from 1993 to 1996, the Philadelphia 76ers from 1996 to 1997, the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1999 to 2001, the Detroit Pistons from 1998 to 1999 and again from 2001 to 2003, the Milwaukee Bucks from 2003 to 2006, and the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2007 to 2008.

[7] In 2010, following Del Negro's firing from the Bulls, Ociepka was hired as an assistant for the Portland Trail Blazers.