Personally, I cannot even spin a basketball on my finger, let alone do flips and tricks and slam dunk all in one go. 

But you know who can? The Harlem Globetrotters! 

The world-renowned Globetrotters are known for their over-the-top tricks and impressive ways of turning a game of basketball into a full-blown spectacle. 

To celebrate the new year, you can take in this spectacle at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1, at Memorial Coliseum.

Getting their start

So, how did the Globetrotters come to be? 

They were not always about the tricks. The team formed on the south side of Chicago in 1926. They began to find their footing in 1929 by touring Illinois and Idaho. This team was comprised of young Black men aspiring to become professional basketball players. 

The name itself is based on Harlem, a well-known area for Black culture, and “Globetrotters” was chosen to make it seem like the team had already gone international (they had not). 

By the 1940s, the Globetrotters started to become a household name, especially after beating the Milwaukee Lakers in 1948. 

By 1950, two players were drafted into the NBA, Chuck Cooper to the Boston Celtics and Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton was the first to sign an NBA contract when he went to the New York Knicks. 

Putting on a show

The team continued to grow in popularity and talent, and showmanship trumped competition.

They eventually created an opposing team named The Washington Generals, who are basically there to create an atmosphere resembling more of a traditional basketball game. 

The Globetrotters also had their own cartoon series titled The Harlem Globetrotters. It was based on their performances and added in a factor of the players getting in some type of conflict and resolving it within a fame of basketball. The cartoon didn’t last long, but they made multiple appearances in other shows such as Scooby-Doo. 

There are 39 active players on their roster. Although the team is heavily comprised of Black players, they have had an array of races join the team throughout the years. 

The Globetrotters play more than 400 games a year in 25 countries. 

According to their website, “Off the court, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to the ‘Ambassadors of Goodwill’ and goes beyond its vibrant live events. They proactively foster alliances with global partners, curate a diverse line of licensed products, implement a dynamic multimedia strategy to gain global prominence, and uphold the brand’s enduring legacy of deep social engagement in local communities.”

Fan experiences

They are set to embark on a 2025 World Tour, and Fort Wayne is the first stop. 

On New Year’s Day, you will be able to see all the magic they bring to the court. 

According to their website, this tour is about: “All the amazing basketball spins, slams, and dunks that you’ve come to expect at every Globetrotters game, plus new trials as players face-off to see who can pull off astonishing trick shots and more! 

“See your favorite Globetrotter stars and their renowned rivals, the Washington Generals, live as they challenge themselves and each other to new moves, new shots, and new innovations! 

Every Globetrotters game serves up unprecedented fan interaction opportunities before, during, and after the game so you can meet your favorite players!” 

I spoke with a couple of people that have attended the Globetrotters “games” about their experiences. 

Daniel Fisher, a Fort Wayne resident, attended a show in the ’70s. 

“I had only watched the Globetrotters in cartoons,” he said. “I had never seen them in person, and, at first, I was a little disappointed because none of the players were from the cartoons. But I got over that really quickly because of the performances. They were sliding under each other, spinning the ball on their fingers, making impossible passes and shots. It was just amazing to see. 

“It’s not just a performance either. They are also comedians. They push the boundaries of what a ‘regular’ game of basketball would be, and it’s amazing to see.” 

I also spoke with Nick Lilly, a Roanoke resident, is also well versed in the Globetrotters. 

“As an adult you know who is going to win, but me and my kids were very entertained. With all the slam dunks and amazing passes, it’s always a good time,” he said.

So, if you’re in the mood for probably one of the coolest games of basketball you’ll ever get to see, grab a ticket to see the Harlem Globetrotters.