The Harlem Globetrotters

Creating Legends

Going to see the Harlem Globetrotters is an unforgettable experience. Their combination of basketball prowess and on-court antics has been entertaining audiences for 80 years in 118 different nations. All this is made possible by the players on the court. Over the years, the Harlem Globetrotters have had dozens of legends on their roster. However, there are four players whose stars burn the brightest. Wilt Chamberlain, Marques Haynes, Meadowlark Lemon and Reece Tatum are the only players to have their jersey numbers retired.

Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain is famous for his dominating play in the NBA, where he still holds the record for most points in a game (100). According to Chamberlain, his single season with the Globetrotters was the most enjoyable of his career. The second player to have his number retired may not have been as prolific a scorer, but man, could he dribble! Marques Haynes is widely considered the best dribbler to have ever lived, and he utilized those skills during his long tenure with the Globetrotters. Dribbling through four decades, Haynes has played in more than 12,000 games and is the only Globetrotter player inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Another outstanding player, Meadowlark Lemon, served as the Harlem Globetrotters’ “Clown Prince” for 24 seasons. Lemon joined the Globetrotters after serving in the army. While a Globetrotter, he played in 94 countries in front of kings, popes and presidents. Finally, Reece “Goose” Tatum is considered the best showman of the team’s history. Tatum patented many of the team’s comic routines that are still used today. His comedic timing combined with his natural athletic ability (he created the hook shot) enabled him to become the original “Clown Prince.” Come to the Erwin Center on February 8 and watch the new Globetrotter legends in the making!