Montour grad, UPG assistant coach Alan Heter joins Washington Generals for Globetrotters tour

Someone has been missing from Pitt-Greensburg men’s basketball practices and games lately. Assistant coach Alan Heter suddenly has vanished.

Call it a disappearing act by the former Montour and Point Park standout player. But don’t limit Heter to that trick only. He can pull off a few more on the court.

Heter was invited to play for the Washington Generals on a United States barnstorming tour with the Harlem Globetrotters.

The 6-foot-7 Heter, who was a senior at Point Park in 2014-15, was set to join Washington in 2020 before the covid pandemic erased his plans.

UPG first-year head coach Chris Klimchock played with Heter at Edinboro before he transferred to Saint Vincent and Heter left for Point Park.

Sometimes Heter does things at practice that he’s learned from his comedy basketball brethren.

But he knows how to get serious.

“He likes to play one-on-one with our post players all the time and really makes them compete,” Klimchock said. “He has helped them get better.

“Every once in a while after practice, we will play horse with some of the guys and (Heter) will do some trick shots.”

Klimchock said Heter has blended well with the team while building morale.

“He’s done an incredible job of building relationships with the players.” he said. “He was a very good college player not too long ago, so he can relate to them well. They really trust him.”

Klimchock’s staff also consists of Harry Bowser and Rick Klimchock, his father.

The elder Klimchock’s role will likely increase with Heter gone. Klimchock also is the head coach of the Greensburg Salem girls team.

He thinks Heter will be a fine addition to the Generals and their entertainment value.

“Alan is a great dude. … He is loved by the guys,” Rick Klimchock said. “We’re happy for him. How cool is what he’s doing?”