The Harlem Globetrotters are an iconic and legendary basketball team that have been entertaining audiences with their unique combination of comedy, athleticism and theater for nearly a century. Founded in 1926 by Tommy Brookins in Chicago, Illinois the team adopted its name from the famous African-American community it hailed from. Since then they have travelled to over 124 countries around the world performing over 26,000 exhibition games – cementing themselves as one of the most recognizable sports teams worldwide.
1. Wilt Chamberlain
Career
- High school: Overbrook (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
- College: Kansas (1956–1958)
- NBA draft 1959 / Pick: Territorial
- Selected by the Philadelphia Warriors
- Playing career: 1958–1973
- Position: Center
- Number: 13
- Coaching career: 1973–1974
- 2× NBA champion (1967, 1972), NBA Finals MVP (1972), 4× NBA Most Valuable Player (1960, 1966–1968), 13× NBA All-Star (1960–1969, 1971–1973), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1960), 7× All-NBA First Team (1960–1962, 1964, 1966–1968), 3× All-NBA Second Team (1963, 1965, 1972), 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1972, 1973), NBA Rookie of the Year (1960), 7× NBA scoring champion (1960–1966), 11× NBA rebounding champion (1960–1963, 1966–1969, 1971–1973), NBA assist leader (1968), Most Points in One Game (100), Most Rebounds in One Game (55), NBA anniversary team (35th, 50th, 75th), No. 13 retired by Harlem Globetrotters, No. 13 retired by Golden State Warriors, No. 13 retired by Philadelphia 76ers, No. 13 retired by Los Angeles Lakers, NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (1957), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1957, 1958), First-team All-Big 7 (1957), No. 13 jersey retired by Kansas Jayhawks, Mr. Basketball USA (1955)
- Points: 31,419 (30.1 ppg)
- Rebounds: 23,924 (22.9 rpg)
- Assists: 4,643 (4.4 apg)
- Basketball Hall of Fame as player
- College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006
Wilt Chamberlain is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players in history, and he is also known for his dominant play in the center position.
He was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1959 and went on to become one of their all-time greats, winning multiple MVP awards and scoring more than 30,000 points during his career.
After retiring from playing professional basketball, Chamberlain embarked on a successful coaching career which saw him lead teams to playoff appearances and win championships. Wilt Chamberlain died at the age of 63 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Wilt Chamberlain is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in NBA history. He won multiple championships and MVP awards during his career, and was also an all-star for 13 consecutive seasons.
Chamberlain's size and strength were legendary, as he routinely dominated opponents on both the court and in dunk contests.
Chamberlain's impact on the basketball cannot be overstated - he helped pave the way for future stars such as Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
2. Meadowlark Lemon
Meadowlark Lemon is a retired American jazz trumpeter who was born on April 25, 1932 in Newark, New Jersey. Meadowlark played with many notable groups during his career including The Miles Davis Quintet and the John Coltrane Quartet.
He also recorded several solo albums. Meadowlark Lemon passed away on January 8, 2001 after a long battle with cancer at the age of 70 years old. Meadowlark Lemon was an accomplished basketball player and actor who later became a minister.
He was born in Wilmington, North Carolina on December 27, 1933 and passed away on December 27, 2015. Meadowlark Lemon is best known for his time with the Harlem Globetrotters where he played from 1961-1981 before retiring.
In addition to playing ball professionally, Meadowlark served as president of the Professional Basketball Writers Association (PBWAA) from 1988-1989 and acted in several films throughout his career including "Kiss The Girls" and "The Preacher's Wife".
Meadowlark married Cynthia Lemon in 1994 after they met while she worked at Tropicana Hotel & Casino; together they had 10 children whom he helped raise following his retirement from professional basketball in 1981.
3. Fred Neal
Career
- High school: Dudley, (Greensboro, North Carolina)
- College: Johnson C. Smith (1959–1963)
- Playing career: 1963–1985
- Position: Point guard
- Number: 22
- 1963–1985: Harlem Globetrotters
Fred Neal was born on May 19, 1942 in Greensboro, North Carolina. Fred Neal was a professional basketball player who played for the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers during his career.
He is best known for being part of the 1971-72 Philadelphia 76ers team that won the NBA Championship. Fred Neal died on March 26, 2020 at the age of 77 after a long illness. Fred Neal played point guard for the Harlem Globetrotters from 1963 to 1985.
He was a highly skilled player and one of the most successful members of the team. His basketball skills were on display during his playing days, as he averaged over 20 points per game throughout his career.
Fred Neal is credited with helping to popularize professional basketball in America, and his legacy will be remembered long after he retire.
4. Marques Haynes
Career
- High school: Booker T. Washington, (Sand Springs, Oklahoma)
- College: Langston (1942–1946)
- Position: Point guard
- Basketball Hall of Fame as player
Haynes was born in Oklahoma and started his career as a musician. He later moved to Texas, where he became a well-known viola player and composer. Haynes passed away at the age of 89 after a long illness.
Marques Haynes was an American professional basketball player. He played for the Kansas City Kings and Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA from 1981 to 1994. Haynes was a six-time All-Star and won two championships with the Sixers (1985 and 1987).
He also played for the New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors and Dallas Mavericks in various leagues over his career. Marques Haynes was inducted into both the Hall of Fame as a player in 2006 and the Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 2013.
5. Goose Tatum
Goose Tatum was an American jazz trumpeter and composer. He is best known for his work with Count Basie, Woody Herman, Duke Ellington, and Dizzy Gillespie.
Goose Tatum died from a heart attack at the age of 45 in 1967. After he died, his body was cremated and his ashes were scattered in Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, Texas Goose Tatum was an outstanding basketball and baseball player in his day.
Goose also entertained troops during World War II, making him a true patriot. After playing for several teams throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Goose retired from professional play in 1966. Today, Goose is considered one of the greatest Harlem Globetrotters ever to step on a court.
6. Hubert Ausbie
Ausbie was a professional basketball player who spent his career playing with the Philadelphia 76ers. Ausbie attended Holy Cross College, where he won back-to-back college basketball championships in 1958 and 1959.
After graduating from Holy Cross, Ausbie played for several teams in the American Basketball Association before joining the 76ers in 1963. Ausbie retired from playing in 1972 after averaging 10 points per game over his career.
He later served as an assistant coach for several teams, including the Sixers and Chicago Bulls. In 2006, Ausbie was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame alongside former teammate Wilt Chamberlain Hubert Ausbie was born in 1928.
He is a French artist who has spent his entire career painting and sculpting monumental public artworks. His best-known works include the landmark "Panthéon" statue in Paris, as well as murals for the United Nations Headquarters in New York City and the Palace of Versailles.
Hubert Ausbie passed away on October 9, 2018 at the age of 89 after a long illness.
7. Louis Dunbar
Career
- High school: Webster (Minden, Louisiana)
- College: Houston (1972–1975)
- NBA draft 1975 / Round: 4 / Pick: 59th overall
- Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
- Playing career: 1975–1977
- Position: Small forward
- 1975–1977: SP Federale
- As player:, Swiss League champion (1976), Louisiana Mr. Basketball (1971)
Dunbar was a standout player for Webster High School in Minden, Louisiana. After playing college ball at Houston, Dunbar was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1975.
He spent 12 seasons with the Sixers before moving on to play for the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks over the next two decades. In 2000, Dunbar retired from professional basketball after helping lead his team to victory in the NBA Finals that year.
Following his retirement, Dunbar worked as an analyst for Turner Sports' coverage of NCAA Division I basketball tournaments and served as a color commentator for select games during.
TNT's coverage of The NBA Playoffs beginning in 2002-03 season until he stepped down prior to last year's postseason due to health concerns stemming from surgery he had earlier that year on his left knee (Dunbar has since made a full recovery).
As part of his post-basketball endeavours, Dunbar has written several books including "Sweet Lou: My Life In And Out Of Basketball" which was published in 2016 and tells the story of both his rise through basketball ranks and later life experiences outside of hoops.
The Unforgettable Sweet Lou Dunbar: A Memoir" also released in 2016; and "Louis 'Sweet Lou' Dunbar All Star Game Collection," which is scheduled for release on November 17th via Blurb Books & Media Inc.
8. Charles Harrison
Career
- High school: Wheatley High School
- College: North Carolina Central
Charles Harrison was a Harlem Globetrotters player who enjoyed a long and successful career. He is best known for his signature "stuff" shot, which he often used to score during games.
Harrison retired from playing in 1991, but continued to work with the team as a coach and ambassador until his death in 2014 at 81 years old.
Charles Harrison is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
He attended Wheatley High School in Houston, Texas and played college ball at North Carolina Central before being drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2009.
Charles has established himself as one of the most exciting young players in the NBA, averaging 13 points per game over his career so far.
His achievements include winning two consecutive All-Star Game selections (2013 & 2014), and a win at The Finals MVP award in 2013 – making him only the second player ever to achieve this feat after Shaquille O'Neal.
Charles is married to actress Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamin with whom he has a daughter named Aaliyah Joni Harrison born on December 22nd 2016.
9. Lynette Woodard
Career
- High school: Wichita North (Wichita, Kansas)
- College: Kansas (1977–1981)
- WNBA draft: 1997 / Allocated
- Selected by the Cleveland Rockers
- Playing career: 1981–1999
- Position: Guard
- Number: 8
- Honda Sports Award (1981)
- Basketball Hall of Fame as player
- Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
- Medals, , Women’s basketball, Representing the United States, Olympic Games, : 1984 Los Angeles: Team competition, World Cup, : 1990 Malaysia: Team competition, : 1983 Rio de Janeiro: Team competition, Pan American Games, : 1983 Caracas: Team competition, : 1991 Havana: Team competition, Universiade, : 1979 Mexico City: Team competition, Jones Cup, : 1984: Team competition
- Women’s basketball
- Representing the United States
- Olympic Games
- : 1984 Los Angeles: Team competition
- World Cup
- : 1990 Malaysia: Team competition
- : 1983 Rio de Janeiro: Team competition
- Pan American Games
- : 1983 Caracas: Team competition
- : 1991 Havana: Team competition
- Universiade
- : 1979 Mexico City: Team competition
- Jones Cup
- : 1984: Team competition
Lynette Woodard was an all-star guard in the WNBA for eleven seasons. She is perhaps most well known for her impressive shooting ability, which she showcased to great effect during her tenure with the Cleveland Rockers and Detroit Shock.
Lynette also had a reputation as one of the hardest workers in the league, putting in countless hours on the court both during practice and game play. In addition to her playing career, Woodard has served stints as a NBA commentator and scout for various teams throughout North America.
Now 63 years old, Lynette remains active both on and off of the court, regularly engaging in charity work and promoting healthy living initiatives through her website (www.lynettethesglobetrotteronline).
Lynette Woodard is a retired American professional women’s basketball player. Lynette played for the United States at the 1984 Olympics, where she helped her team to a fourth-place finish after losing to eventual champions Great Britain in the semifinal stage.
She went on to play for several teams in Europe before returning stateside and joining the Washington Mystics of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Lynette was named WNBA MVP twice (1997 and 1998) during her time with Washington, becoming just one of four players ever to win both awards; all three other recipients are currently enshrined in the Hall of Fame – Julius Erving, Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant.
In 2000, Lynette retired from playing professionally following two seasons with Olympiacos Piraeus in Greece; however, she returned briefly as an assistant coach with Winthrop University prior to retiring permanently from coaching at the end of 2016–17 season.
10. Twiggy Sanders
Twiggy Sanders was a gifted athlete who played basketball at the collegiate level. He began his professional career in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers, and later played for the Boston Celtics and Sacramento Kings.
Twiggy retired from playing in 1998, but continued to coach professionally until 2003. In 2009, he returned to coaching as an assistant coach for North Carolina State University's men's team.
Twiggy is currently a sports analyst for ESPN Radio and Fox Sports 1 in Charlotte, North Carolina Twiggy Sanders was a basketball player at Ligon High School who achieved All-Conference, All-State and All-American honors.
He then went on to play for the University of North Carolina Tarheels, where he won an NCAA Championship in 1974. After college he played in the NBA for 10 seasons with teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers.
In 1988 he retired from playing professional basketball and later became a coach with his former team the Lakers. Twiggy Sanders passed away in 2013 after a long battle with cancer at the age of 64 years old.
11. Bob Karstens
Bob Karstens was a professional basketball player in the United States. He attended school at Iowa Central Turner Gym and St Ambrose College, where he played for the college's team.
After graduating from college, Bob signed with the Fort Wayne Pistons of the American Basketball Association (ABA).
He spent two seasons with Fort Wayne before moving on to play for several other teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
In 1984, Bob retired from playing professionally after appearing in 280 games over five seasons. Since retiring from playing basketball, Bob has worked as a TV commentator and analyst for various sports events.
Karstens was the third non-black player on the Harlem Globetrotters' roster, and he helped pioneer several of their signature tricks.
He first played for the team in 1941 as a substitute, and developed some of their most famous routines - including the magic circle and yo yo basketball. Karstens stayed with the team through 1994, managing it along the way until his death in 2004.
12. Smokey Gaines
Career
- 1967: Kentucky Colonels
- As coach:
- 1973–1977: Detroit (assistant)
- 1977–1979: Detroit
- 1979–1987: San Diego State
Smokey Gaines was a shooting guard who played in the NBA for over 20 years. He started his career with the Detroit Pistons, before playing for several other teams including the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics.
In 1988, he retired from professional basketball after playing for the Charlotte Hornets. Smokey Gaines passed away on September 5th 2020 at the age of 80 after a long illness. Smokey Gaines was an American basketball player who played college ball for LeMoyne-Owen College.
He then had a long career in the NBA, playing for the Detroit Pistons, Washington Bullets and San Diego Clippers. Smokey is most famous for his time with the Detroit Pistons where he was part of two championship teams (1989 and 1990).
After retiring from professional play, Smokey became coach of the Rochester Royals in 2000 before returning to LeMoyne-Owen as head coach in 2003.
In 2006 he took over as head coach of Division II program Eastern Kentucky University where he led them to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1978 that year.
On April 6th 2017 it was announced that Smokey would be joining ESPN as an analyst on their broadcast team for Summer league games starting later this month.
Also Played For: michigan high school basketball
13. Nathaniel Clifton
Career
- High school: DuSable (Chicago, Illinois)
- College: Xavier (Louisiana) (1942–1943)
- Playing career: 1945–1961
- Position: Power forward
- Number: 19, 8, 24
- 1945–1947: New York Rens
- 1947–1950: Harlem Globetrotters
- 1950–1957: New York Knicks
- 1957–1958: Detroit Pistons
- 1961: Chicago Majors
- NBA All-Star (1957)
- Points: 5,444 (10.0 ppg)
- Rebounds: 4,469 (8.2 rpg)
- Assists: 1,367 (2.5 apg)
- Basketball Hall of Fame
Nathaniel Clifton was born on October 13, 1922 in England and moved to the United States when he was a young child. He attended DuSable High School in Chicago where he played basketball for the school's varsity team.
After graduating from high school, Nathaniel enrolled at Xavier University in Louisiana but left after one year to join the U.S. Army during World War II Upon returning from serving his country.
Nathaniel joined the Chicago Stags of the National Basketball Association (NBA) as their second player and power forward He remained with them until 1961 before retiring due to injury.
Nathaniel then worked as an accountant for several years before dying on August 31st 1990 at age 67 Nathaniel Clifton was a dominant player in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
He helped lead the New York Rens to two NBA championships and was an all-star twice. Nathaniel Clifton spent most of his career with the Harlem Globetrotters, where he became one of their most famous players.
After retiring from basketball, Nathaniel Clifton went on to have a successful coaching career. He led teams such as Chicago Majors and Detroit Pistons to playoff appearances before retiring from coaching in 1991.
Nathaniel Clifton is now considered one of the best players in Knicks history, and he has been inducted into both the Basketball Hall of Fame and the National Black Sports Hall of Fame.
14. Abe Saperstein
Abe Saperstein was born in London, England on July 4th, 1902. He began his career working as a music critic for the Chicago Daily News and later became head of programming at WGN Radio.
In 1951 he created what is now considered to be one of the most successful talent shows in history – The Ed Sullivan Show – which aired for over 30 years until its final episode in 1971.
Abe Saperstein died from a heart attack on March 15th, 1966 aged 63 years old in Chicago, Illinois USA Abe Saperstein was a basketball executive, businessman and coach. He is best known for being the owner of the Harlem Globetrotters, one of the most famous teams in basketball history.
Abe Saperstein was inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
He served as commissioner of both the American Basketball League (ABL) and later, National Professional Basketball League (NPBL). Abe Saperstein passed away on February 21st, 2009 at age 94 after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
15. Connie Hawkins
Career
- High school: Boys (Brooklyn, New York)
- NBA draft: 1964 / Undrafted
- Playing career: 1961–1976
- Position: Power forward / Center
- Number: 42
- 1961–1963: Pittsburgh Rens
- 1963–1967: Harlem Globetrotters
- 1967–1969: Pittsburgh/Minnesota Pipers
- 1969–1973: Phoenix Suns
- 1973–1975: Los Angeles Lakers
- 1975–1976: Atlanta Hawks
- ABA champion (1968), ABA Playoffs MVP (1968), ABA MVP (1968), 4× NBA All-Star (1970–1973), ABA All-Star (1968), All-NBA First Team (1970), 2× All-ABA First Team (1968, 1969), ABA All-Time Team, No. 42 retired by Phoenix Suns, ABL MVP (1962), All-ABL First Team (1962), Mr. Basketball USA (1960), First-team Parade All-American (1960)
- Points: 11,528 (18.7 ppg)
- Rebounds: 5,450 (8.8 rpg)
- Assists: 2,556 (4.1 apg)
- Basketball Hall of Fame as player
Connie Hawkins was a dominant player in the ABA and NBA, winning multiple awards and making an impact on both leagues. He began his playing career with the Pittsburgh Rens before being traded to the Harlem Globetrotters.
After one season with them, he joined the Minnesota Pipers for two more seasons of play. In 1971, he signed with the Boston Celtics where he spent most of his career as a power forward or center until retiring in 1976 at age 34 due to knee problems.
Connie Hawkins is considered one of the best players in ABA history and was inducted into both the Basketball Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame (with honorary induction from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell).
On October 6th 2017, aged 75 years old, Connie passed away after a long battle with prostate cancer.
16. Curley Johnson
Curley Johnson is a retired American basketball player who played for the Harlem Globetrotters. He was born in 1965 and started playing basketball at an early age.
Curley Johnson spent many years with the Harlem Globetrotters, amassing over 1,000 total points and 400 rebounds during his career. In 2006, he retired from playing basketball to focus on other areas of his life such as business ventures and family responsibilities.
Curley Johnson was the owner of a small grocery store in town. He was always up for a good time and loved to have fun with his friends. Curley Johnson died suddenly one day, leaving behind his wife and children. His death left the community devastated, but they remember him fondly nonetheless.
His legacy lives on through the store he founded - which still stands today, long after he passed away.
17. Jahmani Swanson
Jahmani Swanson was born in Houston, Texas on September 18th 1997. He played his high school basketball at Lamar High School in Houston and helped the team to a Regional Championship as a senior.
Swanson attended BYU for one year before transferring to Kansas State where he averaged 12 points per game during his sophomore season before declaring for the 2018 NBA Draft.
The Globetrotters selected him with their first pick (21st overall) of the 2018 NBA Draft and he has since made an immediate impact, averaging 14 points per game over his rookie campaign whilst also making significant contributions off the bench.
Jahmani is known for his explosiveness around the rim and strong defensive presence which have seen him become a key player for Harlem Globetrotters this season both on the court and off.
It through various charity work initiatives that he actively participates in including visits to sick children in hospitals across America as well as hosting Youth Basketball Camps throughout Utah County, California annually.
Which aims to provide underprivileged youth with opportunities they might not otherwise be able to experience such as travel, food & lodging while engaging them with professional athletes from different sports teams who share similar values like hard work & discipline.
18. Bob Douglas
Bob Douglas is a well-known author and speaker on personal finance. He has written numerous books, including "The Millionaire Fastlane" and "Accumulated Wealth: The Simple Path to Financial Freedom".
Bob also appears regularly on financial television shows, providing advice to people of all ages about how to achieve wealth stability. In addition, he founded the website RealMoneyCents, which provides unbiased information on investing and retirement planning topics.
Bob is a strong advocate for education and believes that everyone can benefit from learning more about money matters. He lives in Florida with his wife Nancy and their two children – Kyle and Lindsay – where they enjoy spending time outdoors (especially golfing).
Bob Douglas was a film and television producer who is best known for his work on the series "The Waltons" and "Wanted: Dead or Alive".
Bob Douglas also served as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1978 to 1979. He died in July 1979 at the age of 96 after a lengthy illness.
19. Nathaniel Lofton
Nathaniel Lofton is a 41-year-old basketball player who was on the fourth place team in The Amazing Race 15. Nathaniel started playing basketball at the age of 7 and quickly became a star, winning many tournaments along the way.
In 2003, Nathaniel was drafted by the Utah Jazz but never played for them because he signed with an Italian team instead. After three seasons in Italy, Nathaniel returned to America and joined the New Orleans Hornets in 2007.
With New Orleans, Nathaniel won two championships (2011 and 2012) before being traded to Memphis Grizzlies in 2013 where he continued his career as a starter until 2016 when he retired due to injury..
Since retiring from professional basketball, Nathaniel has been working as a commentator for several online sports channels including ESPNU and Fox Sports Southeast.
20. Mannie Jackson
Career
- High school: Edwardsville (Edwardsville, Illinois)
- College: Illinois (1957–1960)
- Position: Guard
- Number: 30
- 1960–1961: New York Tapers
- 1962–1964: Harlem Globetrotters
- 1st African-American owner of major sports corporation[1], 1st African-American Fighting Illini basketball player[2], Theodore Roosevelt Award (2015), University of Illinois Honored Jersey (2013)[3], Chairman, Basketball Hall of Fame, (2007-09)[4], All-American (1960)[2], 2x All-Big Ten (1959, 1960)[2]
- Basketball Hall of Fame
Mannie Jackson was born on May 4, 1939 in Illmo, Missouri. After high school and college, Jackson played guard for the Illinois Fighting Illini from 1957 to 1960.
He then spent a couple seasons playing with the Cincinnati Royals before retiring in 1967. Mannie Jackson is considered one of the best guards to play in the NBA and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.
In his retirement years, he served as an assistant coach with both Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers teams before eventually joining Golden State Warriors coaching staff as an assistant coach during their 2017–18 season which ended up being their championship year..
Mannie Jackson was one of the most decorated players in college basketball history. He won two consecutive All-Big Ten awards and played on the 1960 NCAA championship team.
After playing professionally for a few years, Mannie became the first African American to own a major sports corporation when he purchased the Harlem Globetrotters in 1964.
In addition to his success on court, Mannie has also made significant contributions off it - including being Chairman of Basketball Hall of Fame from 2007-09 and serving as an ambassador for both sport and education.
21. Jumpin Jackie Jackson
Jackie Jackson was one of the first streetball legends in the Rucker Playground Basketball Tournaments in New York City. He was known for his acrobatic dunks and innovative playstyle that helped pioneer street basketball.
In 2017, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Jackie passed away on May 4, 2019 at the age of 80 after a long illness Jackie Jackson is one of the most well-known and successful players in history of professional basketball.
He began his career with the Harlem Globetrotters, where he quickly became a fan favorite for his spectacular dunks and powerful shots. Jackie's skills led him to play in several high-profile games, including an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
In addition to his stellar playing career, Jackie has also carved out a notable reputation as a philanthropist and advocate for social justice issues. Now in his 80s, Jackie continues to be active both on the court and off it - showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
22. Frank Washington
Frank Washington was a professional basketball player who played for the Harlem Globetrotters from 1946 to 1950. He led the team in scoring during his final season, averaging 27 points per game.
After retiring from playing, Washington worked as a coach and scout for various teams before passing away in 2013 at the age of 98. Frank Washington was born and raised in Germantown. He graduated from Germantown High School and went on to attend the University of Maryland, where he played football for the Terrapins.
After college, Frank spent a few years playing in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers before retiring in 1999. In his retirement, Frank became an outspoken advocate for veteran's rights and served as President of The American Veterans Committee (AVC) from 2006-2009.
Frank has also been involved in other community organizations including serving as Vice Chair of The Greater Baltimore Food Bank Board of Directors from 2007-2012 and Chairman Emeritus since 2013.
In 2016, Frank was appointed by Governor Larry Hogan to serve on the State Emergency Management Agency Council which oversees homeland security operations during emergencies across Maryland.
23. Paul Sturgess
Career
- High school: Burleigh Community College, (Loughborough, Leicestershire)
- College: , Florida Tech (2007–2008), Mountain State (2009–2011)
- Playing career: 2011–present
- 2011–2013: Harlem Globetrotters
- 2013–2014: Texas Legends
- 2014–2015: Cheshire Phoenix
Paul Sturgess is a British basketball player who has played for several teams in the English Premier League. He was born on 25 November 1987 in Loughborough, Leicestershire, England and attended high school at Burleigh Community College.
In 2009, he started playing professional basketball with Harlequins of the English Premier League and later moved to Birmingham Bullets before returning to Harlequins in 2013.
In 2015, he joined the Harlem Globetrotters as a part-time player and has since appeared at several events with them around the world including two games during their 2017 tour of Australia which were broadcast live on Fox Sports News Austalia.
Paul's father Steve also played soccer professionally for clubs such as Stoke City and Nottingham Forest while his mother Jackie works as an accountant; they both have Welsh heritage.[2]
24. Brittany Hrynko
Career
- High school: Carver (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
- College: DePaul (2011–2015)
- WNBA draft 2015 / Round: 2 / Pick: 19th overall
- Selected by the Connecticut Sun
- Playing career: 2015, 2018–present
- 2015: San Antonio Stars
- 2015: Tulsa Shock
- 2018–present: Harlem Globetrotters
- 2019–present: Philadelphia Reign
- 2× AP Honorable Mention All-American (2014, 2015), Big East Player of the Year (2015), First-team All-Big East (2014)
Brittany Hrynko is a 29-year-old American guard who played college basketball at DePaul. After being drafted in the second round of the 2015 WNBA draft by the Seattle Storm, she has since spent two seasons with them before joining the Chicago Sky for 2018.
Brittany's biggest strength as a player is her shooting ability - she averaged over 20 points per game in college and shot 45% from three-point range during her career.
Her defensive skills are also highly rated, with her size allowing her to be an effective defender against bigger players off the dribble or in one-on-one situations.
While not necessarily known for being an explosive athlete, Brittany is still able to put up good numbers on fast breaks and transition opportunities due to her speed and agility on the court.
Outside of playing basketball, Brittany enjoys spending time with friends and family as well as traveling whenever possible - something that she credits largely for helping develop both herself and her game overall.
25. Woody Sauldsberry
Career
- High school: Compton Union, (Compton, California)
- College: Texas Southern
- NBA draft 1957 / Round: 8 / Pick: 60th overall
- Selected by the Philadelphia Warriors
- Playing career: 1955–1966
- Position: Power forward / Center
- Number: 14, 21, 35, 18
- 1955–1957: Harlem Globetrotters
- 1957–1960: Philadelphia Warriors
- 1960–1961: St. Louis Hawks
- 1961–1963: Chicago Packers / Zephyrs
- 1963: St. Louis Hawks
- 1965: New Haven Elms
- 1965–1966: Boston Celtics
- NBA champion (1966), NBA All-Star (1959), NBA Rookie of the Year (1958)
- Points: 4,930 (10.7 ppg)
- Rebounds: 3,618 (7.8 rpg)
- Assists: 498 (1.1 apg)
Woody Sauldsberry was born on July 11, 1934 in Winnsboro, Louisiana. He attended high school at Compton Union in Compton, California and then went on to play college basketball for Texas Southern before being drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors in the 1957 NBA draft.
Woody played power forward and center throughout his professional career with the Warriors, Detroit Pistons, Baltimore Bullets (twice), Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets respectively. He retired from playing in 1966 after averaging 14 points per game over his 10-year career.
After retiring from basketball Woody began a long coaching career with both the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Morehead State University of NCAA Division I Men's Basketball where he won two national championships as head coach before passing away in 2007 aged 73 years old.
Final Words
. . The Harlem Globetrotters are an iconic and legendary basketball team that have entertained audiences for over 75 years. Their most famous players include Meadowlark Lemon, Big Red Hand Luke Jackson, and Dizzy Gillespie.
The team’s best player of all time is undoubtedly Meadowlark Lemon, who was voted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985.
