Nate Laing was hired as an assistant coach to the Viking program in June of 2023.
“Nate is a real basketball guy. He had a father who was a coach, he played Division I basketball and he has transitioned quickly to be a top assistant coach,” said Viking Head Coach Jase Coburn.
Laing comes to PSU after a successful stint at Indian Hills (IA) Community College. The Warriors were 29-5 in 2022-23 and competed for the NJCAA National Championship, winning twice in the championship tournament. In addition to coaching, Laing worked in all aspects of the program, including recruitment, player development, and day-to-day operations.
“Nate has been with some really good programs already in his career. His head coach at Indian Hills, Hank Plona, is a good friend of mine and highly recommended Nate. I’m excited about the energy he will bring to our program. I know he cares for student athletes and their success. Moreso, I am excited for the players that he will work with. He is a well-rounded coach who can help us on the floor as well as recruit.”
Prior to his time at Indian Hills, Laing served as the Assistant Coach/Interim Head Coach at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, FL. Laing helped guide the Raiders to the 2021-22 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) DI Men's Basketball National Championship in Hutchinson, KS.
In three seasons with the Raiders, Laing managed the men's basketball staff and oversaw day-to-day operations of the program, including community engagement events and fundraising initiatives. Laing assisted in overall recruiting, scouting, and player development while overseeing practice plans, statistical analysis, and video breakdown for the program.
Prior to his time in Niceville, Laing served as the Assistant Coach at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, KY for one season.
Laing's basketball playing career began at Jacksonville State University where he was named team captain and a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Representative. Laing completed his playing career at the University of Central Florida for head coach Johnny Dawkins and received the Most Inspirational Award, the Coaches Award, and served as a SAAC Representative.
Laing earned a Master of Career and Technical Education degree from Central Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from Jacksonville State.
THE NATE LAING FILE
3rd year at Portland State
Alma Mater: Jacksonville State, 2016; Masters, Central Florida, 2018
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2023-25 Portland State, Assistant Coach
2022-23 Indian Hills (IA) CC, Assistant Coach
2019-22 Northwest Florida State, Asst. Coach/Interim Head Coach
2018-19 Kentucky Wesleyan College, Assistant Coach
