If you’ve ever heard of an exhibition Basketball team, this is an opportunity to learn about one. Meet the Harlem Globetrotters, an American Basketball franchise whose main objective is to entertain you. The team has been around for over 90 years, playing at least 26,000 games in about 124 countries. They play above 400 exhibition games every year and boast of elite, entertaining athletes that know how to get fans on their heartstrings. This franchise possesses a wealth of history. So, let’s get to know about them and their gameplay, and see if we can get Globetrotters or NBA & sporting event tickets to go watch them.
History of the Harlem Globetrotters
The inception of the Harlem Globetrotters dates back to 1926, when they came to be in Chicago. Their first identity was the Savoy Big Five. In Savoy, a ballroom was opening, with an enormous complex – and a Basketball court inside it. Dick Hudson, a Basketball coach at the time, negotiated a shrewd deal for his team to occupy the Ballroom court as its home court. Through the 1927-28 season, the Savoy Big 5 defeated notable teams and made a name for themselves. However, this gifted team disintegrated over a money dispute. The deserting players formed a team and named it “The New York Harlem Globetrotters”
This team became known and participated regularly in events, majorly World Professional Basketball Tournament, where they consolidated as a top-tier Basketball team. This became a coalition of the best black basketball players in the country. Unfortunately, with the advent of the NBA, and the incorporation of Black players into the premier sports organization in the country, the Globetrotters became subordinate. It started infusing comics in its gameplay, and metamorphosed into an exhibition team. Over 700 players have played for the Harlem Globetrotters. The franchise is presently owned by Herschend Family Entertainment.
Harlem Globetrotters Roster
From its origins, the Harlem Globetrotters have boasted of elite players, some of which have ties to the Naismith Basketball Hall of fame. The franchise boasts forty players on their active roster. The men’s group comprises thirty-five players, while the female group has five. Of these forty players, five are rookies.
The team has two mascots helping with the entertainment. First is the famous “Globie” with the number 0. “Globie” has a world globe with facial features and blue furry hair for its head. He joined the squad in 1993 and has entertained over 50 million viewers worldwide. His big brother, “Big G,” is a true globetrotter, visiting six out of seven continents. He stands at ten feet and busts dance moves like a pro. He’s very entertaining, and along with “Globie”, he creates elite mascotry.
Harlem Globetrotters World Tour
The Harlem Globetrotters conduct world tours every year from the USA to other parts of North America to other parts of the world. DP World Tour tickets is always a wholesome experience. Hence, fans from all over the world want a piece of the action.
It conducts four categories of tours, namely: North American Tour, International tour, USA Tour, and Canada Tour. These journeys occur concurrently, and have close schedules. In 2023, the franchise will visit many North American and American geographics to play Basketball. Locations such as Atlanta, Fairfax, Ottawa, Kansas, Memphis, Jackson, and Washington, DC, will host the Harlem Globetrotters.
Internationally, the club will bring the heat to Manchester, London, Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and other elite locations around the world. In Canada, Montreal, along with other venues, will enjoy the presence of the Harlem Globetrotters.
In 2023, the club will conduct its first-ever fan-centered world tour, letting every fan interact with the players. There is a 5th quarter where a meet-and-greet is permitted. Here, fans can get autographs and pictures of the players.
You can access these venues by purchasing tickets from The Harlem Globetrotters World Tour website. You can also use the site to check their full schedule.
Harlem Globetrotters Legends
For a team with such wealthy history, finding legends of the club is not out of place. The Harlem Globetrotters boasts of many pacesetters who redefined the ethics of the team and popularized them to their present standing. Some of these standout individuals are:
Marques Haynes: Haynes played for four decades and had at least 12,000 games under his belt. He was the first Globetrotter to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. His offensive abilities were unrivaled. Unfortunately, he died in 2015 at 89.
Goose Tatum: The Original Crown Prince, is one of the few individuals inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Due to his achievements and fame, the Globetrotters retired his number “50”. The man’s showmanship abilities were extraordinary, hence, his nickname.
Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain: Wilt became a professional basketball player in 1958 when he signed for the Globetrotters. He stood at a frightening 7’1 and was part of the first Globetrotters’ team to play in Moscow—in a sold-out venue. He would later go on to dominate in the NBA. He passed away in 1999 and was honored by the Globetrotters.
Robert “Showboat” Hall: He succeeded Goose Tatum as the “clown prince” of the club. Born in September 1927 and raised in Detroit, the player became one of the most popular figures to ever play for the Globetrotters. His 6’2 stature, and fast-paced ball tricks ensured that his reputation as a true globetrotter was cemented. He passed away in 2014 at age 87.
Fred “Curly” Neal: Curly wore jersey 22 while playing 22 years for the Harlem Globetrotters. He became an integral part of the team and was made their ball handler (a major exhibition role). The great played over 6,000 games for the Harlem Globetrotters, He passed away in 2020 and was highlighted as a club legend.
Lynette Woodard: Crowned “The first female to ever play for a male basketball team”, she was a pacesetter in basketball. She stood at 6 feet and played for the Globetrotters from 1985 – 1987. The legend returned to the club in 2022 and now oversees the largest female roster in the club’s history.
Conclusion
The Harlem Globetrotters possess legendary status in American Basketball. From competing fearsomely to serving as a gateway for black basketballers to infusing basketball and jocundity, the sky is only a stepping stone for the franchise.
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