The Harlem Globetrotters Tip Off

SI Staff | Oct 9, 2009

The Harlem Globetrotters Tip Off /

The Harlem Globetrotters Tip Off

The Harlem Globetrotters recently gave 3,200 elementary school kids in Harlem a sneak preview of their newest talent before departing on an international tour. This annual "Return to Harlem" game served as a ceremonial tip-off of their 84th season, during which they will give 270 performances in 215 cities around the world.

Scooter Christiansen works on spin control with nine-year-old Racine McEachin of Harlem's P.S. 36.

Smiles abounded in the audience as many young fans were invited to participate in the show. Here Globetrotter Ant Atkinson cheers on 10-year-old Xavier Hall from C.S. 200.

Sports Illustrated editor Trisha Blackmar was invited to participate in the game as a member of the Washington Generals, the Globetrotters' archrivals. Here she waits to take the court with her teammates before the game.

To the strains of "Sweet Georgia Brown," the Globetrotters entered with much fanfare.

Bursting with energy, Special K Daley warms up the crowd with his antics.

As usual, the Globetrotters had their way with the Generals -- --the final score would be 84-65.

Some tricks never get old -- especially for an audience of nine- and 10-year olds. Referee Eric Weaver is all wet, thanks to Special K.

"Guest General" Trisha Blackmar did her part in the second quarter to try to help Washington put some points on the board. "I was so nervous," Blackmar said, "but the guys were all so nice. It was a fantastic experience."

"It's hard to play defense when someone is totally focused on making you laugh," said Blackmar of guarding Special K Daley.

Playing against the Globetrotters was truly a "hands-on" experience for Blackmar, who hit one of two foul shots despite a little interference from Special K Daley.

Blackmar's effort got a thumbs up from one of the Generals.

Lying down is part of the job for dribbler extraordinaire Ant Atkinson.

Scooter Christiansen really knows how to keep his eye on the ball.

The New York City Police Athletic League helped sponsor the event, much to the delight of thousands of elementary school kids in Harlem.

Generals coach Reggie Harrison, quite the showman himself, attempts to give Washington an edge by "hypnotizing" Scooter Christiansen.

A native of Panama who played college ball at Azusa Pacific University, Special K Daley is looking forward to visiting his home country on an upcoming Globetrotters trip.

Two Globetrotters legends joined in the fun. Tex Harrison (left) has been with the team for over 55 years and is now the director of coaching. Curly Neal is a veteran of over 6,000 games and one of the team's most recognizable players.

New York City police commissioner Ray Kelly got an honorary (spinning) game ball to thank him for his support in conjunction with the Police Athletic League.

Published Oct 9, 2009

SI STAFF