A little bit crazy, often eccentric, but obviously talented, the Harlem Globetrotters come back in Europe for an amazing tour, from the month of March! It is the occasion, for every basket ball lover from the old continent, to enjoy a funny and air show which, each time, fulfils all its promises!
These “magicians of basketball”, born in 1926 in Chicago, have become a unique sport legend since by , due to their impressive exploits, and the great nouns who have made up their roster. Team of Basket ball more attracted by fun and derision than competition, but offering a sportive show largely able to make the most famous pros jealous, the Harlem Globetrotters can easily trust their new recruits to represent an 84-year-experience heritage.
If the idea of watching an entertaining as well as impressive match seduces you, just check your country’s list of exhibitions.
Since History is always good for your mind, and this one is quite amazing, let’s sum up their evolution:
Doing exhibition matches hasn’t always been The Harlem Globetrotters’ vocation, and they incidentally played at a quite good level in 1927, in the Negro American Legion League. At this period known as “Giles Post” , then “Savoy big five”, it is only when Abe Saperstein buys the club in the same year that they are renamed « Harlem Globe Trotters ». The team only comprises black players, none accepted yet in major leagues.
It is in 30’s that they start to improvise some “funny mini-shows” during the games. Reece Goose Tatum becomes at the time a kind of expert in this exercise, opening the way to plenty of young « comic-sportive » players.
In 1946, the NBA opens its doors and will soon mark a turning point in club’s history. Indeed, the arrival of the first black player, Chuck Cooper, in the league is going to encourage many young afro-Americans to follow his example. If they used to represent a great opportunity for theses sportsmen, Globetrotters can’t compete anymore with this giant. Nevertheless, 50’s will be the scene of many exhibition matches between the Harlem and NBA teams.
In 1946, the NBA opens its doors and will soon mark a turning point in club’s history. Indeed, the arrival of the first black player, Chuck Cooper, in the league is going to encourage many young afro-Americans to follow his example. If they used to represent a great opportunity for theses sportsmen, Globetrotters can’t compete anymore with this giant. Nevertheless, 50’s will be the scene of many exhibition matches between the Harlem and NBA teams.
Since then, the club will find an alternative by organising more and more humoristic moments during matches, dedicated to entertain the audience. It is by the way what will make their success the following years.
But far from being some “comedian veterans” of basket ball, from 90’s, The Globetrotters participate to sportive meetings against reputed teams or special selections as Magic Johnson's All Stars, and demonstrate their talent and their legitimacy in Basket ball world.
One of the most famous globe trotters remains Wilt Chamberlain, who joined the prestigious clubs of Philadelphia Sixers and Los Angeles Lakers after that.
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