MEN'S BASKETBALL: Richard Troyer and David Heck helped make Utah Valley University's basketball program a success while they played for the Wolverines as teammates for two years.
Now the duo will try to make their team at the professional level a success also. Troyer, who played for the Belize National Team last, and Heck have signed to play pro ball for Guanajuato in Mexico.
"We don't know what to expect, but it will be good that we know each other and be there for each other," Troyer said.
Heck agreed. "Just by knowing each other that well will give us a certain comfort level," Heck said. "When you play a sport and you're in a comfort level you play better." In his senior year in 2007-08 Troyer averaged 9.8 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 38.9 percent from the field and 71.4 percent from the foul line. "I've wanted to play professional basketball and I didn't care where it was," Troyer said. Heck (6-foot-6, 190 pounds) averaged 12.9 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 43 percent from the field and 7.59 percent from the foul line during his senior campaign in 2006-07.
"It was a dream (to play pro ball)," Heck said. "I've always felt I was good enough. I was just waiting for the opportunity."
"I'm excited for them both to get the opportunity to play professional basketball," UVU basketball coach Dick Hunsaker said. "They were a good combination while playing here and should do the same in Mexico."