Portland State Magazine Fall 2021

FALL 2021 // 17 Philadelphia 76ers and last season was an assistant with the Brooklyn Nets. Considered a bright young mind in pro- fessional coaching, Udoka was often mentioned—and occasionally interviewed— when head coach openings came up in recent years. This summer, his chance finally came. Udoka was hired not just to be an NBA head coach, but to be the head coach of the most storied organization in NBA history. Winners of 17 NBA titles, the Celtics chose Udoka to help them pursue number 18. “It’s an honor to be a part of the historic Celtics fran- chise,” Udoka said in a press release. “I look forward to getting started right away.” “Among the many outstanding qualities that Ime brings to the table are his integrity, humility and competitiveness,” Celtics general manager Brad Stevens stated. “He has a relentless work ethic and a vast array of experiences as a player and coach. He’s a leader that is warm and demanding, and we are so excited that he has chosen to join us in pursuit of Banner 18.” “I did talk to a lot of people—some publicized, and many others that weren’t,” Stevens added. “Ultimately, it’s an amazing group of talented coaches, whether they’ve been head coaches before or haven’t got their shot yet in the NBA. To separate yourself amongst all of them is difficult, but Ime did that.” Udoka will now have the opportunity to coach the Celtics’ uber-talented team, including Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and others. “The sky is the limit,” Udoka said of his young stars. “The fact that you are not All-NBA should be a chip on your shoulder. My message to them would be, ‘Why, wait?’The talent is there.The work ethic is there…go out and take it now.” —MIKE LUND BIG SKY CHAMPS Portland State’s softball team won the 2021 Big Sky title to advance to the NCAA Tournament. Since 2006, the Vikings have won the Big Sky Conference Championships six times. 6 SEMISESQUICENTENNIAL SEASON Portland State football jumps into its 75th season of competition this fall. The school’s original Vanport team played its first official football game against Pacific University in 1947 (losing 48-0). 75 DEFENSIVE STAR Junior defensive back Anthony Adams was named first team All-American by four national media outlets after the Vikings’ last complete football season (2019). Before this season, HERO Sports named him the top returning defensive back in the nation at the NCAA I FCS level. 1 st TOUGH TRAIL RUNNER Camelia Mayfield ’14 MSW ’19 placed 8th in the 2021 Western States Endurance Run, the renowned 100.2-mile trail race that tests long- distance runners through grueling peaks and valleys of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range. Mayfield has placed among the top 10 women for the last three years. 8 th compiled by Mike Lund MIGHTY VIKS “Udoka’s quest to become a head coach began immediately after his playing career ended with the Spurs." SPORTS ARE BACK! Cheer on PSU’s volleyball or basketball teams at Viking Pavilion this fall or catch the last home football game of the season on Nov. 20 at Hillsboro Stadium. See schedules and buy tickets at goviks.com. This year, games will also be streamed through ESPN+. As a Viking, Ime Udoka was Big Sky Conference Newcomer of the Year in 1999-2000 (top). This summer, he addressed the media after being named the Boston Celtics' new head coach (bottom). PSU ATHLETICS BOSTON CELTICS