Harlem Globetrotters celebrate 100 years at Nassau Coliseum

The basketball team who plays the most games per year, has the largest number of overall wins and remains one of the oldest franchises in history is the Harlem Globetrotters. This sports entertainment outfit is currently celebrating its 100th anniversary and returns to Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale on Feb. 21.

"When you come to see the Harlem Globetrotters, you get fun for the whole family," says coach/ambassador Louis "Sweet Lou" Dunbar, who played on the team from 1977-2004. "We’re clean and wholesome entertainment. We don’t offend anybody."

While the Globetrotters are not in the NBA, the exhibition team plays more than 200 games per year all around the world mixing athleticism and comedy while they face off against the world-famous Washington Generals. Always wrapped in their signature red, white and blue uniforms speckled with stars, they are known for moves like the half-court hook shot, high speed dribbling, ball body rolling, no-look passes and spinning a basketball on the tip of their fingers.

"The Globetrotters were the trendsetters when it came to flashy basketball from the beginning," says current player Donte "Hammer" Harrison. "The alley-oops, no-look passes and the three-point shots from long range — a lot of those moves were popularized by the Harlem Globetrotters and later on, the NBA started integrating them."

HAMMERING THE DUNK

Harrison, who stands 6 feet, 9 inches  and grew up in Brooklyn, is one of the main showmen on the team dazzling crowds with his dunks. The team, he says, attends an annual training camp to prepare tricks and work on conditioning. 

 "There’s a lot that goes into what we do even though on the court we make it look easy," Harrison says. 

Right by Harrison’s side is his Brooklyn buddy, Brawley "Cheese" Chisholm, who serves as a guard on the team. He is known for his four-point shot, which is tossed 30 feet from the basket.

"My role is to be a sidekick, not overshadow Donte but find ways to showcase my skills," Chisholm says. "I pride myself on being different and try to make the fans laugh."

However, Chisholm insists that it’s not all tricks and giggles.

"We don’t want to give off the idea that we are a gimmick," Chisholm says. "The Globetrotters are athletic and can play basketball; it’s just framed in a fun environment."

HERE COME THE WOMEN

The Globetrotters were innovative back in 1985, when a woman joined the team. Lynette Woodard became the first female to ever play for a men’s professional basketball team.

"Lynette was the best choice because she was a college All-American, captain of the U.S. Olympic team and has a massive smile," says Dunbar, who played with her. "She fit right in."

Today, there are seven women in the Globetrotters led by guard Cherelle "Torch" George, who has been on the team for nine years. Her specialty is her fast hand skills and lightning dribbling style. She even broke a Guinness World record for the most under-the-leg tumbles with a basketball.

"My nickname ‘Torch’ stems from my speed and energy," says George, who hails from Reading, PA. "I come in hot and bring the fire."

Despite being 5 feet, 3 inches tall , George doesn’t mind mixing it up with players like Harrison and Chisholm who tower over her.

"I just look at the guys as ballplayers. They are bigger and stronger, but we work hand-in-hand, we flow," she says. "The hardest adjustment for me was getting used to the size of the men’s ball because my hands are small."

During this tour, five women participate in an all-female quarter.

"The team has grown in its inclusiveness. It’s cool to see the young ladies in the crowd light up. That gets me going every night," George says. "It is a responsibility and an honor to be a Globetrotter. I hold it with such regard and respect."

Dunbar is always available on the sidelines giving advice to the current team.

"I tell our players, ’You don’t know if it’s people’s first time or last time seeing the Globetrotters. Either way, you have to make every game memorable,’ ” he says. "We are the goodwill ambassadors for the United States. It’s almost like we are a group of Santa Clauses running around making people happy."