Congratulations To Ken Bone On His New Contract

Sager Bombs

Quick congratulations to Portland State Men’s Basketball Coach (and former UW Assistant) Ken Bone, who just signed a 5-year deal to stay at Portland State. 

My Ken Bone story is as follows: I worked at the Ram near Husky Stadium in college and in 2002 Romar took over the Huskies and brought Bone in as an assistant.  Everyone was really positive and excited about the new blood coming into the program… and then they lost to Athletes In Action 76-59.  Just a horrible, embarassing loss for any program.  Who ends up walking into the Ram not long after the game?  Bone and several of the other assistants and their wives.  I sit them down, and as they’re the only table left in the restaurant, offer the kind of shitty, sporadic service The Ram is famous for.  They didn’t care because they just wanted some food while they talked shop and drew up new plays. 

What struck me that night was the optimism that Bone had.  *I* was crushed by the loss as a fan but he had already shrugged it off as a learning experience.  You could see just how excited he was to be coaching the talent the team had.  It was infectious, a breath of fresh air to see, and the first time I really felt like the program might finally be in good hands with the new staff.  45 minutes later I’d finished up closing down the restaurant and Bone and the guys were now up out of the chairs and walking through plays in the middle of the dining room.  One of the wives apologized for them and offered to move into the bar.  I told her to stay as long as they wanted so long as it helps the team start winning. 

Done and done.  Bone helps teams win.  He’s done it everywhere he’s ever coached.  Portland State is lucky to have him, although I wouldn’t be surprised if a bigger school (possibly one in the same state he’s in now) comes calling in the near future.  Pretty sure Nike can afford that $50,000 buyout but I hope it doesn’t happen.  I don’t think I can hate him.