Viking fans might have something to cheer about when it comes to this year’s basketball team. That’s how Viking head coach Heath Schroyer feels when he talks about his new squad.
The Vikings have been training hard over the summer getting in shape and preparing for the basketball season. The team has been looking very impressive during its summer practices and looked in shape during a photo shoot this past Wednesday. They are showing a great amount of promise this year and are determined to have a better season than the previous. Schroyer has faith in his team and believes they will be much better than they were last year.
“I think we’re obviously more talented, we have a lot better depth, we’re restarting a couple more of our talented players and with those guys and the collection of talent we were able to bring in, I’m looking forward to a great year, and I’m excited about the returning players as well,” Schroyer said.
The Vikings walked away from the previous season with an unsettling record of five wins and 22 losses out of 27 games. Schroyer believes last year’s poor performance can be attributed to the team’s transition between coaches with different ideas and a grocery list of injuries that many of the players sustained.
“We had major injuries and a new coach coming in with a new philosophy and a brand new way of doing things, and we took our lumps last year.” Schroyer said. “When those guys went down, it hurt our depth, it hurt our talent. I know we’re looking a lot better this year, and I’m looking forward to competing for a Big Sky Championship.”
The coach is expecting the Vikings to excel on the court. He is very pleased with the way the team has been training and is looking forward to the Vikings playing hard, scoring points and winning games. The Vikings look revitalized with new players on their roster like center Nguye “Bob” Kaladokubo (Midland College) and point guard Will Funn (San Bernardino Valley JC). Returning players, like forwards Seamus Boxley and Marshal Hartman, will bring leadership and inspire their teammates to do their best this season. If that wasn’t enough, the coach expects the Vikings to excel in the classroom and in the community, as well. He encourages players to do their best in class and branch out to the community so that the city of Portland embraces the Vikings.
Fans should expect big things from this year’s team. They should expect a very good team with great skill and a love for the game. Viking fans can catch the team practicing from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Players are going to try their best to stay healthy throughout this season, work hard to get a Big Sky Championship and bring it home to Portland State University
“I think you’ll see a collection of talented players that want to get up and down the floor,” Schroyer said. “They’ll see a team that’s tough and hungry and ready to put this program on the map.”