Stepping Out

All eyes on the court

Harlem Globetrotters bring their repertoire of ‘tricks’ to the new Nassau Coliseum

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Those quick-fingered hoops stars make their return to Long Island, next Friday, part of Nassau Coliseum’s opening line-up this month. The Harlem Globetrotters bring their unique brand of basketball back here, with plenty of action in store for fans, April 14, at 7 p.m.
Continually pushing and expanding the sport of basketball, the Globetrotters have once again set a new mark. Or rather, a new distance.
The team has unveiled basketball’s first 4-point line for 2017, which makes its debut on the Globetrotters latest tour. The line is located 30 feet from the basket — 6 feet, 3 inches beyond the top of the NBA’s current 3-point line. It’s a move that comes six years after the team unveiled the 4-point shot to fan acclaim. The Globetrotters previously used a four-point circle, two on each side of the court, to designate a four-point shot since they first introduced it in 2010.
“The ‘long-range shot’ is changing basketball at all levels and it’s one of the most exciting shots in the game,” says Globetrotters President Howard Smith. “The creation of the 4-point line shows that once again, the Harlem Globetrotters are ahead of the curve when it comes to basketball innovation.”
“We have some of the best long-range shooters in basketball, so adding a 4-point line will enhance the experience and level of play that fans already see night in and night out,” adds Globetrotters Director of Player Personnel “Sweet” Lou Dunbar.

“It’s going to be a terrific addition to the 2017 tour, and a great way to showcase the extraordinary talent of basketball’s most entertaining stars.”
The NBA may scoff at the 4-point line, but not the Globetrotters or those that follow the team. “We’re just giving the fans what they want,” Smith says. “People want to see skill and talent rewarded while enjoying the game of basketball. We provide that every day.”
Players are excited about sharing their antics on the 4-point line with fans. “It makes the game more exciting,” says Buckets Blakes. “The Globetrotters are known as innovators and trendsetters, and we keep pushing the limits.”
The 6-foot, 6-inch guard, in his 15th year with the Globetrotters, is eager to share his basketball prowess with Long Island fans. “We are excited to be back on Long Island at the new Nassau Coliseum,” he says, noting that Globetrotters have a strong connection here. For 10 years the team practiced at the Island Garden facility in West Hempstead.
 “We combine great basketball with entertainment,” says Blakes. “You’ll see all the traditional Globetrotter elements we are known for, the Bucket of Confetti, the Magic Circle, along with new things. Our game is bigger and better than ever and we finish strong.”
A Globetrotters event continues to be a spectacle of ball handling wizardry, dunks, trick shots, comedy and fan interaction. “Our fans are very important to us,” says Blakes, who was born and raised in Phoenix, Ariz. (as Anthony Blakes). “We’ll pull kids out of the audience and onto the court. Our games always involve lots of interaction and participation. Afterwards we are always available for autographs.”
Blakes enjoys working with and mentoring kids, so he relishes the opportunities he’s had to present the Globetrotters’ various community outreach programs all over the world as an Ambassador of Goodwill. He encourages youngsters to, “Be the best‘ you’ that you can be, because it’s very difficult to try and be someone else.”
Blakes’ athleticism is reflected in his mastery of the trick shot, a feat that always enthralls fans. As a result of years of intense practice, he is known as one of the fastest shooters around, thus the name “Buckets”. Of particular note is his recent achievement on World Trick Shot Day (Dec. 6, 2016). Blakes nailed the highest shot ever recorded in North America. From the top of the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio, Buckets made a 583-foot shot to a hoop located below.
“It was my second shot,” he proudly proclaims, of that day. “I expect to make every shot I take.”

Harlem Globetrotters
When: Friday, April 14, 7 p.m. Tickets start $26.50.
Where: Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale. Tickets available at (800) 745-3000 or
www.ticketmaster.com or www.harlemglobetrotters.com or Nassau Coliseum box office.