Harlem Globetrotters returned with fun to Saddleback College

Harlem Globetrotters teasing the referee behind his back by dancing to his foul call. (Angel Grady/Lariat)

World famous Harlem Globetrotters played their final of two games at Saddleback College on Monday night.

Fans filled the gym and nearly sold-out seats to watch the Globetrotters take on the World All-Stars. The game was loaded with comedy and basketball skills. Fans awed the dribbling, dunking and the way players moved the ball across the court.

“Oh it was just fun,” said Harlem Globetrotters fan Lorna Hixon. “Just the razz ma dazz, the boys loved it.”

The tricks performed, as well as the humor involved had the audience anxious for what to expect next. Players spun the ball on their fingers, head, body and even face. Constantly making the long distance 4-point shot, created by the Globetrotters helped them keep the lead throughout the game.

The battle between the two teams was not the primary focus of the game. Involving the community and making sure those in the stands had a great time was more important to the Harlem Globetrotters.

“What you see on the court is only a small percentage of what we do off the court,” said Globetrotter guard Scooter Christensen. “For us, we love that so much cause it makes it more personable for our fans, you never know who’s life you’re touching and I think that’s probably one of the best parts of being a Globetrotter.”

Harlem Globetrotters Too Tall Hall standing at only 5’2 slam dunks with the help of fellow teammates.

The comedy basketball team involved several fans at random from the stands in their show. When doing so, they made the audience laugh and gave away signed jerseys and other Globetrotter memorabilia for participating.

Those who purchased a Magic Pass had the privilege of meeting players, getting autographs and learning basketball tricks. They also have the chance to shoot with the stars and takes photos before the game.

The Globetrotters sold-out seats for their first and only appearance last year at Saddleback. Their arrival received such a positive response from the community, that this year they pursued the college for the two shows.

“They kept bugging me all year because it had such a great turnout,” said dean of kinesiology and athletic director Tony Lipold. “So they wanted to do two this year, so we did two.”

The Harlem Globetrotters came out in their throwback uniforms as they continued to celebrate 90 years of touring, this time with the fans gathered at Saddleback.

Over the years the players have changed, however, first Globetrotters left legacies behind.

“If you ask anybody in the world about the Harlem Globetrotters, there’s two names that you will hear,” Christensen said. “Meadowlark Lemon and Curly Neal were the peers that came before us. We’re dedicating our season to those two guys that paved the way for us.”

The Globetrotters show combines comedy, family entertainment and amazing basketball skills. The Harlem Globetrotters will continue celebrating 90 iconic years of providing smiles, sportsmanship and service to millions.

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Photos by Angel Grady / Lariat

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