The world renowned Harlem Globetrotters were at Power Balance Pavilion Sunday to take on the International Elite, as they went head-to-head to determine who would be the world champions. Globie, the team mascot, came out before the show to entertain the crowd with a little bit of magic and some dance moves. As Globie strutted around like Michael Jackson the crowd went wild with some kids jumping up to dance along with Globie. Even though the stadium was far from sold out, the audience members made up for it in enthusiasm. Throughout the game the crowd was cheering and clapping for the Globetrotters, with a few boos thrown in for team Elite. As with all Globetrotter games this was an aud

The world renowned Harlem Globetrotters are scheduled to appear at Power Balance Pavilion this Sunday. As is customary, the Globetrotters have had a couple of players in town before the big event on Sunday. They were meeting with television and radio stations in the area, but more importantly they were getting out to meet their fans. I was able to meet up with “Handles” Franklin and one of their newest members, “TNT” Maddox. TNT is only the ninth woman in 86 years to play with the Globetrotters and the first woman since 1993. I found the two at the Project R.I.D.E. facility next to Jesse Baker Elementary School in Elk Grove. The two Globetrotters participated in a bit of horseplay — lit

Before tipoff you had a smoke machine introduction, a choreographed dance routine, a head couch riling-up the audience, trick shots and amazing dunks – now that is the way to start a game of basketball. The Globetrotters bring more of a sense of purpose in the first five minutes of being on the floor than many sports do the entire night. Although you know the night is choreographed, it’s obvious that it is about the kids and about making those kids believe in who they are. For 85 years the Globetrotters have brought their fast-paced, high-flying and antic filled game to the world and what a world it is. As approximately 5000 thousand young kids and their families packed Arco Arena, the Ha

It has been a long time since this reporter has seen the Harlem Globetrotters perform live; that will change on January 17th at Arco Arena when they bring their quirky and fun style to the court. With many of the original members retired the question is whether the team will perform the way they used to. That question was answered today when meeting with Harlem Globetrotter ‘Hot Shot Branch’ on the court. After watching ‘Hot Shot’ run, dunk, shoot and spin there is no doubt the game is still on. For anyone who has not seen the Globetrotters perform you are in for a treat. They make the game of basketball more interesting buy clowning around, making goofy mistakes, actively engaging the cr

The Harlem Globetrotters entertained families at Arco Arena Sunday with their lighthearted comedy and high-flying basketball action. The Globetrotters bested their longtime rivals, the Washington Generals, by utilizing impressive ball movement and powerful dunks. The game almost resembled a circus act with all of its tricks and slapstick humor. For instance, the game opened with an inflated ball that floated away from the players. Other comedy bits included a consistent sketch where the coach of the Generals would hypnotize a Globetrotter with his white and black striped umbrella. Once hypnotized, the player would make plays for the Generals, take a nap in the middle of the court or danc

On Sunday, April 25th, the Harlem Globetrotters entered Arco Arena, home of the Sacramento Kings, and dazzled the crowd with a variety of high flying dunks and entertaining antics.  The Globetrotters are on their 2010 "Magical Memories" world tour.  For the past 84 years, they have been entertaining everyone from Presidents to Popes.  They've played over 25,000 games, and currently play an incredible 400 games per year.  In addition to playing exciting basketball, the Globetrotters interact with the audience in order to create a family-friendly event that everyone can enjoy.  Images from the game tell the story.

Hundreds of children came to Cesar Chavez Park to learn about the environment at today's Earth Day Celebration. Now in its 40th year, Earth Day was founded in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental sit-in. Today, the annual event is celebrated nationwide with a various activities. In Chavez Park, children were taught gardening techniques, took an exercise challenge, played games, and watched a magic show. Radio Disney also provided an interactive performance focusing on the environment, all with a surprise visit from Wun "The Shot" Versher from the Harlem Globetrotters. Radio Disney's act was followed by a performance by the Fall of "X", though this did not stop the kids fro

The Harlem Globetrotters are back in Sacramento, bringing their bag of high flying dunks and tricks to Arco Arena Sunday afternoon. This year's tour, Magical Memories, looks to put a fresh spin on the game. "Basketball has gotten much faster, guys are jumping higher," Wan the Shot Versher said, "the show has picked up the pace." One of the longest tenured veterans of the team, 39-year-old Versher has enjoyed 15 seasons with the Globetrotters. Nicknamed "The Shot" for his uncanny ability to hit a jump shot, Versher said the nicknames fans hear come from fellow players, coaching staff, and other management staff, and are derived from personality and skills. Versher said he received his dir

The Harlem Globetrotters made a stop in Sacramento Monday as part of its "2010 'Magical Memories' World Tour." They wowed the thousands of fans at ARCO Arena and faced its long-time rival Washington Generals, but the game was only part of the show. The team's dancing, antics, and fan participation showed that the Globetrotters are more than high-flying dunks and spectacular passes. It's also about entertainment. "That's the best part of it all," Firefly Fisher said about making fans smile. "It's entertainment, plus basketball and you put those two together, it's fun." The Cordero family experienced the fun first-hand when Laurie and Tim were invited onto the court, while their son, Tyl

Buckets Blakes was at the Midtown Ice Rink today, hosting a bowling tournament "on ice" where participants can enter to win tickets to the upcoming Globetrotter game at the ARCO Arena on Jan. 18. Curly Neal had to sit it out with a bad cold and watched from the sidelines. Buckets signed autographs before the tournament started.   The children gathered 'round to hear the rules of the game.   A little gal named Olivia was the overall winner with a strike!   The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their spectacular 2010 “Magical Memories” World Tour to the Stockton Arena on Thursday, Jan. 14 at 7:00 p.m. and to the ARCO Arena on Monday, Jan. 18 at 2:00 p.m.   SacPress Ph

  At 6’9 and 250 lbs, it is amazing that Big Easy Lofton made it across the zip line. Big Easy Lofton and his friend and teammate Flight Time Lang of the Harlem Globetrotters were recently on the Emmy award-winning CBS television show, “The Amazing Race.” One of their challenges was to cross a zip line suspended over water. In an interview with both Flight Time and Big Easy, Big Easy said the challenge was “exhausting.” He told me that he was told the zip line was tested, but just never tested for someone of his size. Luckily, his strength and athletic ability allowed him to finish. Flight Time and Big Easy finished fourth in the race that premiered the season final on December 6, 2009.