(first published in the Spring 2002 Response)

Huskies Select Bone for Hoops Staff

Ken Bone, SPU head men's basketball coach from 1990-2002.

Ken Bone, who guided Seattle Pacific University through its most successful era of men's basketball, resigned as head coach April 16 (2002) and has accepted a position on the University of Washington staff.

In Bone's 12 seasons, the Falcons won a higher percentage of games (.723), more conference titles (6) and earned more NCAA tournament berths (8) than in any other period in the pro-gram's 59-year existence. Bone, 43, finished with a record of 253-97, including a mark of 24-5 this past season when Seattle Pacific claimed a share of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference championship and advanced to the second round of the Division II tournament. SPU was ranked No. 9 in the final coaches poll.

"It's a great opportunity to go to the University of Washington and be part of Lorenzo Romar's coaching staff, and I think for me and my family it's a good career move," says Bone. "At the same time, leaving SPU is very difficult because I've given 16 years of my life to this institution, and it's an unbelievably great place to work."

Athletic Director Tom Box says losing Bone is bittersweet. "An outstanding coach and leader like Ken deserves this recognition and opportunity to apply his skills at Washington. He has excelled as a mentor to his players, as a trusted colleague and as a close friend to many in our community." Seattle Pacific posted eight 20-win seasons under Bone, including each of the last four years. The Falcons reached the Sweet 16 five times in the last eight years. They won the West Regional en route to the 2000 Final Four — the best-ever postseason advancement for an SPU squad. Following that season, Bone was voted Pacific West Conference and NABC District 8 Coach of the Year. Each of his teams finished with a winning record, and he trails only Les Habegger (1957–74) in total victories.