FOS AUDIO: Harter on PSU

When the Philadelphia 76ers take on the powerful Phoenix Suns in Arizona Wednesday (10 p.m. tip, ESPN), keep an eye on the Philly bench. Every so often, you will catch a glimpse of Sixers assistant Dick Harter talking to a player or giving advice to head man Jim O'Brien.

While younger Penn State fans may not be familiar with Harter, the older generation will remember him as the head coach of the Nittany Lions from 1978-1983, during which time he fashioned a 79-61 record. While in Happy Valley, Harter also hired a student manager by the name of Ed DeChellis.

DeChellis is now head coach at Penn State.

Harter, meanwhile, has since embarked on a long and successful career as an NBA assistant coach, specializing in defense. From 1983 through this year, he has had eight different stops with seven different teams, including a two-year run as head coach of the Charlotte Hornets (1988-90).

Now he is in his first year with O'Brien in Philadelphia. The Sixers enter tonight's game at 35-35 overall and clinging to the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Last week, before heading out on the team's current West Coast swing, Harter took a few minutes to chat with FOS contributor Matt Leon. Among other topics, Harter addressed his days as head coach of the Nittany Lions, his thoughts on the job DeChellis is doing and the difficulties of winning at Penn State.

Click the link to hear the interview.

Dick Harter Audio File.

Matt Leon is a reporter for KYW Newsradio 1060 in Philadelphia.

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