UW assistant named Vikings head coach

With an eye to the future and excitement about the present, Ken Bone took over as Portland State’s new men’s basketball head coach Monday afternoon at Stott Center.

Bone comes to the Park Blocks from the University of Washington, where he was an assistant for the past three years. Prior to his stint at UW, Bone was the head coach at Seattle Pacific University, where he compiled a 253-97 record in 12 seasons.

PSU Athletic Director Tom Burman introduced Bone as “one guy that really fits Portland State.” Other candidates included Vikings assistant coach Steve Gosar and former Vikings assistant Dedrique Taylor. Ultimately Bone’s Northwest connections and proven coaching success led to his hiring.

“It’s an honor to be here,” Bone said. “It’s very flattering to be offered the job.”

Bone takes over a program that went 19-9 last season but faltered in the first round of the Big Sky tournament. The Vikings lost six seniors from last year’s team, including starters Seamus Boxley and Will Funn.

Bone acknowledged the history of Vikings basketball, referencing the freewheeling days of Freeman Williams in the 1970s and promising to bring an up-tempo style of play to the Stott Center.

A self-described “big guy coach,” Bone said he is looking forward to working with Anthony Washington, Scott Morrison and Marier Angui, Portland State’s trio of talented big men.

Washington in particular has ties to Bone, as he played at UW for two seasons before transferring to PSU. He redshirted last year.

Bone now turns his attention to building a staff that he hopes will include current assistant Steve Gosar. “I’m very anxious to hear from him,” Bone said.

Assessing the Vikings’ current roster, Bone identified the need for more depth at guard. Last season Will Funn led the nation in assists and the Viking offense stagnated with him on the bench. Bone and his new staff will immediately begin to start spring recruiting to address team needs.

“It’s exciting for me to step in at a time that there’s a real buzz around Portland State basketball,” Bone said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun for the next few years.”