Wizards of the Roundball

Harlem Globetrotters Entertain and Educate Students at Corpus Christi

From the moment they strolled into the gym at Corpus Christi School last Wednesday twirling red, white and blue colored basketballs on their fingertips, Harlem Globetrotters “Sweet” Lou Dunbar and Eugene “Wildkat” Edgerson had their attentive audience mesmerized. But the dynamic pair did more than demonstrate the wizardry and skills that have come to symbolize the world’s most famous basketball team for 82 years, they also introduced students to the Globetrotters’ C.H.E.E.R. Challenge program, focusing on cooperation, healthy mind and body, effort, enthusiasm and responsibility. “In our long history we’ve won over 22,500 games and to do that we have to work well as a unit,” said Edgerson, a 6′ 7′ power forward now in his third year with the Globetrotters. “So cooperation is working well with others.” Edgerson went on to explain the importance of exercising and reading, always trying your best and, especially, enthusiasm. “Every day we put on a uniform our job is to have fun make people happy,” he said, as children admired his billowy afro. “So it’s all about having positive energy.” The final tenant he talked about was responsibility: “Accountability for your own actions is very important,” Edgerson said. “That means cleaning your room, turning assignments in on time and doing the right things even when no one else is watching.” After the discussion, Edgerson and Dunbar invited five students to the center of the floor to join them in the “Magic Circle,” the Globetrotters’ pre-game routine performed to the catchy tune of “Sweet Georgia Brown.” Each student was taught a trick, from rolling the ball around his/her back to bouncing it off an elbow or knee, before passing it along to the next player. The visit ended with the Globetrotters asking their young audience questions to see who was listening. Students who answered correctly questions ranging from how long the Globetrotters have been around (since 1926) and where the team originated from (Chicago) were rewarded with wristbands and autographed pictures. Dunbar, now in his 28th season with the organization, donated a basketball signed by both players to the school, handing it to Principal Catherine Carvalho. Dunbar has lived up to his name as a “Globetrotter,” traveling around the world three times and playing in front of more than 10 million people on six continents. His infectious enthusiasm rubs off on everyone he meets and he’s just as happy entertaining a small gym of kids in Pacific Palisades as he’ll be playing before thousands of fans at the Honda Center and Staples Center this weekend as part of the Globetrotters’ “Magic As Ever” world tour. “My role now is more as a coach and in player development,” the 6′ 10′ Dunbar said. “To pass my love and knowledge of the game on to the next generation.” As an avid NBA fan living in Houston, Dunbar roots for the [Houston] Rockets and [Dallas] Mavericks, but said the Lakers’ recent trade for Pau Gasol could put them over the top in the Western Conference. “That was a huge deal for them,” he said. “I’m sure everyone out here is excited about it and they should be. And when the Lakers get Bynum back’ look out!” Edgerson played on two Final Four teams at the University of Arizona and he still lives in Tucson. “Growing up, the Globettrotters weren’t really on my radar,” he admitted. “My dream growing up was to play in the NBA but when that door closed, others opened.” Becoming a globetrotter isn’t easy. Edgerson remembers arriving at training camp as one of 60 players competing for only five spots. “Sure, you have to be a talented basketball player to make the team,” he said. “That’s one whole aspect of it. Just as important, though, you have to be a good role model for our youth and you have to want to give back.” The Globetrotters play a doubleheader Saturday against their archrivals, the Washington Generals, at the Honda Center in Anaheim (games start at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.). On Sunday, they’ll be on the court at Staples Center in Los Angeles for a game at 1 p.m. Tickets start at $16 and are available through Ticketmaster, the arena box offices and on-line at www.harlemglobetrotters.com.