By Andrew Coen
A century after the team’s founding, Harlem Globetrotters storied history comes alive when the latest iteration of the quick-fingered hoops stars return here.
The Globetrotters bring their 100 Year Tour to Nassau Coliseum on Feb. 21, giving fans a chance to see the team’s well-known acrobatic dunks, trick shots and long-range shots up close. This special appearance marks the first time the iconic team — debuting their new 100 Year jerseys — has performed in the arena against longtime rivals, the Washington Generals, since 2017. From gravity-defying dunks to game-changing tricks, everyone will certainly feel the history, the joy, and those “wow” moments in true Globetrotters style.
What started with Curly, Meadowlark, Wilt, and Geese continues on today with Hammer, Torch, Bulldog, Cheese, Jet, Wham, Thunder, TNT — and so many more. Taking inspiration from the fun-loving and awe-inspiring players of the past, today’s Globetrotters stars are ready to wow you on the court and in the crowd.
The team is full of a number of talented men and women basketball players who were, for various reasons, counted out throughout their lives, according to Lucius “Too Tall” Winston, who has spent the last nine years with the Globetrotters. Winston, despite his nickname, only measures 5’11’’ and was told by a former coach at age 15 he was too short to play college or professional basketball.
“You have a ton of guys through our team that had to face adversity and that builds character,” he says. “I got a chance to see that coach a couple of years ago after he saw me play and he said he wanted to apologize for what he said to me and I told him if he didn’t tell me those words at that age I probably wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Winston is as fanatical about basketball today as he was as a young player in his hometown of Russellville, Ala. His love of the sport has crossed from player to coach to motivational speaker. Winston dedicates his personal time to organizations that shine a light on the sport with emphasis on leadership, teamwork and focus. True joy for him comes with motivating kids to get out of their comfort zone and pursue their dreams — anything is possible with good character, good grades and hard work.
The Globetrotters have revolutionized the sport of basketball throughout its 100-year history, including popularizing the slam dunk. The team’s roster includes Zeus McClurkin, who set a record for the most dunks in a minute with 16 in 2016.
In addition to the Globetrotters’ famed high-flying dunks, the number of long-distance shots are always a thrill. The Globetrotters famously introduced a 4-point shot in 201, 30 feet from the basket, which is seven feet longer than the NBA’s three-point line.
Winston, who played college basketball at Tuskegee University, relates that interaction with the fans is what makes attending a Globetrotter game particularly unique.
Among the signature moments, the team holds a free postgame autograph session. And during the game, those in the crowd are frequently called down to the court to participate in stunts. Everyone can also take part in premium options that enable pregame access to meet players, along with joining the team for warmups on the court.
“You get to see guys that can play the game at a high level who can jump out of the gym and shoot the ball extremely well and you’ll also see plenty of entertainment as well,” Winston says. “It’s a high-quality game from start to finish, and then at the end, fans are allowed to come down courtside and get autographs and take pictures with us.”
International icons, the Globetrotters are considered “ambassadors” of the game, beloved the world over for their special brand of athleticism that combines the skills and foundations of basketball with a uniquely theatrical flare.
From breaking the NBA color barrier with alums like Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton signing a pro contract as a member of the New York Knicks or courting future Hall of Famers like Wilt Chamberlain and Connie Hawkins; or Curly Neal and Meadowlark Lemon dazzling sellout crowds; to ushering women into professional basketball; to the current group, the Globetrotters’ reach and impact attract attention.
The current team of elite men and women, holders of an unprecedented 60+ Guinness World Records, including 18 set just last year — the most of any team in any sport — bring a fresh look of gravity-defying dunks and game-changing tricks against their renowned rivals in this special centennial season.
