Monday, April 30, 2012

Gills Got Globetrotters

By: Michael Rivera
Staff Videographer/Contributing Writer
The LBCC Commuter

Corvallis, OR: As the sound of “Sweet Georgia Brown” played through basketball arena, the sounds of leather and hardwood, thousands of people cheered and laughed at the world famous “Harlem Globetrotters” put on another great show on their road trip.


The Harlem Globetrotters came out with an unorthodox, fancy style of basketball at Gill Coliseum on Thursday, April 27th, to a welcoming crowd of 6,000-6,500 that reaches capacity at 10,000 people, said event staff. The Globetrotters booked the gym and ran, mostly on their own staff.

The show started at little after 7:00 p.m., with “Globey”, the Globetrotters Mascot, getting the crowd to with interesting dance and tricks. From getting four guys to sit without chairs and getting a little girl to spinning a basketball on her finger for the the first time, the Globetrotters really impressed a crowd, especially the first-time viewers.

The Globetrotters are making history for themselves this season, as rookie TNT becomes the first woman Globetrotter in 20 years, says the Globetrotter organization. Also, they have the shortest player in their history at 5’3”. This goes to show everyone that their hard work has paid off.

Lindsay Hedding took her son, Chris, for both their first times and describe with excitement and laughter.

“It’s hilarious and so funny; We missed seeing  them for their Portland show, so we were glad to see them in Corvallis,” said Lindsay.

“It’s so cool. My favorite part had to be when they pants people,” says Chris, with a smile.

According to the Globetrotter staff, their current U.S. tour began on Christmas day in Auburn Hills, MI as they tour for four months in the states before the start their international tour. All-in-all, the Globetrotters play an average of 300 plus games a year. Under Globetrotter policy, the staff are not allowed to do formal interviews.

The Globetrotters were fun of amazing basketball moves, dribbles, dunks and jokes. One player, Bull periodically climbed onto the basketball hoop to spite the ref or kick an incoming shot. The referees had a run for their money as the Globetrotters provoked them all night. From mimicking them to arguing semantics, the crowd was left to laugh and cheer as they comedy came and went.

Big Easy ran the show, setting up all the Globetrotters basketball plays and being the team leader for the night. Players like Bull, TNT, Stretch, Scooter and Hop all contributed with precise and well-practiced ball handling, passing and alley-oops style dunks.
“We’re having a great time. I haven’t seen them since the ‘70s, so it’s nice to see them now.” said Marty Fitzpatrick, a father taking his son Barron for his first time.

Vandon Haugen thought that the Globetrotters were pretty funny. “They are pretty amazing. I always think its funny when they mess with the refs.”

At a Glance:
If you are interested in looking for more Globetrotter information, such as players or schedules, you can refer to their website, www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

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