Coverage of the Lebanon Tour. The Generals Play Under Yet Another Alias

Some extensive coverage from the Lebanon Tour has surfaced on YouTube. The best place to see the Generals in action besides their once a year in your local venue, and once a year (if that) on television.

Both a news story from mtv in Lebanon (which is posted just below), and some extensive footage of the game someone filmed from the stands, has been posted on YouTube.

You can only see it briefly in this video, but one thing I noticed immediately is that the Washington Generals were wearing black uniforms. Yes Black. 

Initially I actually wondered if something wasn't wrong with the color on the video. But in the extensive footage of the game posted on the 29th and the uniforms were also black there as well. Although it is possible that is just a really dark green. Either way, it is not the bright green we are used to seeing the Generals wear. 

The reason for this seems to be that the Generals did not play under their familiar "Washington Generals" moniker. Instead they adopted a new name of the World Select (which they also listed as a streetball team), according to an article listed below. Although the footage in the YouTube clips of a different game, the announcer was calling them the "International Elite".

It's possible they were playing under more than one team name, especially since they played two games a night and were in the same arena all three night. Given this is a market they Trotters usually don't travel to, they may have been trying to give the impression of playing more than one team. Not the first time they did that. When I find the whole story I will update this blog.

I am not sure why the name change in the first place, although I am guessing given Lebanon's history that a name inspired by the military just didn't seem like a good fit.

Either way the outcome was familiar, but the fans and the players seemed to have fun. Except for the "Elite" which did their usual job of hiding it well. No matter what the team name, or the color of their jersey's, they are always Washington Generals underneath, and that's alright with me.

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Click below to view the game footage from YouTube user Dooles4dee. It was a pretty good game, with the Elite keeping the score close, due in part to them making some nice shots, and the Trotters missing a lot of their trick shots. The Trotters were having an off night for sure. Their also looked to be more "straight" basketball than they have had in some recent games, which was also nice. And as a plus they even made the first 4-point shot. I love it when that happens.

On an interesting note, one of the "International Elite" actually got sent to the Penalty Box this time not once but twice (both times it was long time General, Anthony Smith). I think that is the first time I have seen that happen. Although, I guess technically the "Washington Generals" record of never going to the box remains intact.

The first time was when he knocked over Special K, that looked like it might have been an accident and the referee went with it, but the second was the aftermath of the pantsing when both he and Special K went. I like someone actually went to the penalty box for the pantsing, because it seemed stupid before that they punished the trotters for their goofing before, but never for the pantsing.

Clearly Reggie Harrison and Sam Worthen's checks to the referee's have been bouncing.

PART 1

PART 2

PART 3

PART 4

PART 5

PART 6

PART 7

For an additional story on a different Lebanon the game CLICK HERE!

UPDATE: I just learned that the Generals have been playing under their Elite persona in the France tour also. Not sure what this means, hard to believe this name changed will carry over into the US tour, but I just don't know. 

Weekly Playing Schedule For The Week Of 10/30/2011 - 11/05/2011

Here is the playing schedule for the Washington Generals in the upcoming week. In addition to the final day of their Lebanon Tour, which I mentioned last week, the Generals will be traveling to France once more until November 12th. Here is the list of games for the first leg of the latest tour.

Incedently, some footage from the Lebanon tour has surfaced, and it looks like the new players have allready started. So look for some of the rookie class to be on hand too. So you can look to get a look at them in action before anyone else.

10/30/11 - At the Michel el Murr Stadium in Beirut, Lebanon at 1:00PM - BUY TICKETS
10/30/11 - At the Michel el Murr Stadium in Beirut, Lebanon at 6:00PM - BUY TICKETS

11/02/11 - At the Palais des Sports in Beauvais, France at 8:00PM - BUY TICKETS

11/03/11 - At the Palais des Sports in Le Harve, France at 8:00PM - BUY TICKETS

11/04/11 - At the  Palais des Sports in Berck sur Mer, France  at 8:00PM - BUY TICKETS

11/05/11 - At the Palais des Sports in Chalons-en-Champagne, France at 8:00PM - BUY TICKETS

If any of you will be in France at any of the locations, I encourage you to go out and support the Generals in a night of family fun. 

Randomness Week 24

Photo by Mike/mrghx4.
Used with permission

A website called "Dick's Courtroom" which features photos from a collection of basketball jerseys, has photos of what he reports are Nancy Lieberman and Red Klot's old Washington Generals uniforms. As well as a Generals uniform from an un-named player that looks to be from the 90's. He also has photos of the uniforms of Globetrotters from Inma Jackson, Goose Tatum, Marques Hayes, and Meadowlark Lemon. To view them and many others CLICK HERE!

I found a 2008 article on Red Klots, From New Jersey Monthly. If anyone wants to read it CLICK HERE!

And while I am reffering you guys to old articles, here is another one from around that time on former General Grant Herren, who is also pictured to the left. To read it CLICK HERE!

Best Of The Guest Generals: Frank Sulkowski

In June of 2008, TV Guide Network aired a show called "Making News: Savannah Style."

The show detailed the ins and outs of WJCL and WTGS in Savannah, Georgia. The station was the lowest rated news show for Savannah, and was occupied primarily by rookie reporters on their first job out of college.

What made it of note to this blog, is that in the 12th episode of the shows first season (and I believe only season) features a sub-plot about their sports director Frank "The Big Guy" Sulkowski being recruited as a Guest General.

Sulkowski had a good showing, scoring three points for the Washington Generals. One when Special K challenged him to shoot a basket, and the other being a foul shot. In fact, the Generals ended the first half of the game up by three points. So no one can claim Sulkowski lost them the game. Of course, they did go on to lose, the Generals would have to wait another day.

The reason Frank is getting mentioned here isn't for his gameplay, however. What I loved about this particular Guest General, was that while the Globetrotters have had no shortage of reality shows, in this episode of "Making News" the Washington Generals took center stage.

The time the episode spent on the Guest General plotline was all about the Washingon Generals. Giving the team some recognition and coverage they usually don't get on National Television. Even if it was the TV Guide Channel, which I don't think even they would argue is at the top of the cable ratings.

But if you think about it, the Washington Generals getting their "Reality Show debut" on a lower tier cable channel, in a series about a bunch of underdog reporters... I'm not sure that at the end of the day, the Washington Generals couldn't have been more at home.

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The episode in it's entirety is below, coutesy of Hulu. Although fair warning, while the Generals story line ends by the episode, the A plot ends in a cliffhanger. So if you end up hooked on the show because of this episode don't say I didn't warn you. 

RELATED LINKS

Making News: Savannah Style on Hulu.com

Frank "The Big Guy" Sulkowski's Bio on WJCL

Brief Interviews With Steve Buzinski

I came across some brief interviews with former New York National Steve Buzinski. Buzinski talks in the clips below about some of the treatment he got during the teams military tour in Korea as well as his favorite memory in a game. Where he managed to briefly get the crowd behind him. A definite rarity for a New York National to be sure.

Weekly Playing Schedule For The Week Of 10/23/11-10/29/11

The Washington Generals are back on the road with games in Beirut, Lebanon scheduled for next weekend. The Harlem Globetrotters Official Website only list the games for Saturday and Sunday, which was originally what was scheduled. But a commericial posted on YouTube says that the games were expanded to include Friday. So I am including all three days but anyone wanting to attend Friday's games should definitley check first.

This is still the tail end of the 2010-2011 tour, so I don't know if the Generals and Globetrotters rookie class will be there or not. They apparently played an exhibition game in a high school recently. But don't know if they will go so far as to put them on the tour to "get their feet wet" or not.

If anyone is in Beirut next weekend I encourage you to go down and support the Washington Generals. This blog wishes them a safe trip as they travel so far from home.

10/28/11 - At the  Michel el Murr Stadium in Beirut, Lebanon at 6:00PM - BUY TICKETS
10/29/11 - At the  Michel el Murr Stadium in Beirut, Lebanon at 1:00PM - BUY TICKETS
10/29/11 - At the  Michel el Murr Stadium in Beirut, Lebanon at 6:00PM - BUY TICKETS

10/30/11 - At the  Michel el Murr Stadium in Beirut, Lebanon at 1:00PM - BUY TICKETS
10/30/11 - At the  Michel el Murr Stadium in Beirut, Lebanon at 6:00PM - BUY TICKETS

Corey "Homicide" Williams Not Returning To The NBL?

Copyright © by MR FOOJI. Used under Creative Commons.

The roster for the NBL teams has been mostly posted, and to the surprise of many, NBL star and former New York National, Corey "Homicide" Williams, is not on the roster for his previous team The Melborn Tigers. Or, for that matter, does he appear to be playing for anyone in the NBL.

This is something of a surprise as Williams, who is also a legendary street ball player, has become very popular with the NBL audiences. Not sure what prompted the change, although I do know Williams has been criticized in the past for not being a "team player" which the NBL puts a heavy emphasis on.

Being an American, I obviously haven't really been able to follow the NBL. However, Williams is arguably the most successful former General/National to still be playing professional ball outside of the team. So I am dissapointed he won't be returning to the league he has been so successful in.

Still, I am sure that Williams will return soon enough to the streetball scene and I wish him the best of luck on whatever the future holds for him.

Randomness Week 23

Original photo by VIPNYC. Used under creative commons.

I was searching the web and came across a hilarious article from "Something Awful". Not an accurate assessment to what coaches Harrison or Worthen are saying to the team at halftime, at least... I hope not. But still quite funny. To read it CLICK HERE!

The National Junior College Athletic Association posted an article on Jonte Hall's joining the Globetrotters. Nothing new in it, but if you want to see it CLICK HERE!

The UK dates have been announced for the Washington Generals 2012 tour against the Harlem Globetrotters. For those in the UK who are interested, CLICK HERE!

If anyone wants a blast from the past, a user on  FLICKR took some photos of the interior pages of an old Harlem Globetrotter program from 1968. To see it  CLICK HERE! 

And finally, here is a short clip from a game in Slovokia between the New York Nationals and the Harlem Globetrotters way back in 2007. It was during my favorite bit the two teams did, that unfortnatley seems to not be used anymore, where the General would knock down a trotter and foul.

An Interview With Mike McLaughlin

Here is a recent interview that was posted by Penn Sports Network with former Washington Generals, and current coach of the Penn Women's Basketball team, Mike McLaughlin.

Mike is beginning his third season coaching women's basketball at Penn after a very successful career coaching at Holy Family. When he came into Penn the team had a less than stellar record but they have improved tremendously under Mike's leadership in just a short time. Here is to an even better 2011-2012 season.

Click here to read Mike McLaughlin's entry in the "Washington Generals Top Players"!

Washington Generals Top Players: Doug Stewart

Doug Stewart

Stewart was once a "professional loser", but to the many kids he has coached over the years, he is definitley of a winner.

Doug started his basketball career playing for Haddonfield Memorial High School in Haddonfield, N.J. He had a successful basketball career while playing for Haddonfield, and was even inducted into the Haddonfield Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.

After graduating Haddonfield in 1991, Doug recieved a scholarship to the Ivy League College, Brown University. Where he played for 4 years and graduated with a degree in economics in 1994. While at Brown he was a four-year letter-winner and team captain.

In 1994 he was the recipient of the annual Thomas Hoagland Award. The Hoagland award is presented to the member of the varsity team who exemplifies true unselfishness through commitment and hard work, both on the court and in the community.

If that award doesn't sound like the epitome of a General I don't know what does? Apparently, the Generals felt the same way, as they signed him to a contract in 1994.

He went on to play with the team from 1994-1999, being part of the team when they adopted their New York Nationals persona.

Stewart was part of the "Harlem Globetrotters Holiday Special" playing on the Nationals with notable players such as Kevin Thibodeaux and future Globetrotter Elijah Hobley. It was the last time the Generals, under any name, were seen playing on television in over 10 years.

After leaving the Generals, like many former players, Stewart turned to coaching. And like so many Generals who move on to coaching he achieved great success.

His first major coaching job came in 2002. Ironically, Doug found himself as the assistant coach for another "Generals", in this case the Washington and Lee University Generals.

The following season, Stewart went on to become an assistant coach for Columbia. While with Columbia, Stewart developed post players, administered the strength and conditioning program, coordinated school, home and campus visits, recruited and developed practice plans.

After his year at Columbia, Stewart became an assistant coach at Casper College in Casper, Wyo for the 2003-2004 season. During that season Casper captured the central sub-region title. The following year Doug became the head coach, a position he held for 2 years. Both seasons, under Stewart's leadership, Casper came within one game of winning the regional title.

After his time in Casper was finished, Stewart came full circle and returned once more to Brown, this time as an assistant coach. Stewart spent two years as an assistant coach at Brown, and during the 2007-2008 season, he helped the Brown Bears achieve a school-record 19 victories and earn their fourth-ever post-season tournament berth.

After leaving Brown, Doug found himself as the assistant head coach at Oregon State. After serving as an assistant coach for two seasons, Stewart was promoted to associate head coach in 2010. It is a position has to this day

Stewart spent 6 years losing. But took what he learned from those experiences to help the next generation of basketball players. It's a legacy the Washington Generals, or the New York Nationals, can be proud of.

In closing here is a short interview Stewart did in 2009.

RELATED LINKS

• Player Bio: Doug Stewart - OREGON STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
• Doug Stewart Promoted To Associate Head Coach
• Douglas Stewart - Brown Bears

Randomness Week 22

Photo by Sheree K.

Used under creative commons.

Fox Sports Wisconsin has posted an excellent story about Generals coach Sam Worthen. To read it CLICK HERE!

Mike Atkinson, a former New York National and basketball trainer, is now featured as a basketball expert in Stack magazine and website. Stack is a magazine written specifically for sports athletes. You can read more about it in his own blog by CLICKING HERE!

Former General Adam "A-Po" Powell has posted a rap he did on YouTube. To listen CLICK HERE!

Some collectable photos of the Washington Generals playing the Harlem Globetrotters have gone up on e-bay. You can check them out HERE, HERE, and HERE!

Vinatage Washington Generals

Once more, here is some footage of the Washington Generals in action back in the "old days". Or more accurately, the "United States All-Stars."

From 1958, here is some footage from Holland that features the Washington Generals in their persona of the "United States All-Stars" (a lesser known persona they sometimes played under during the 50's) taking on the Harlem Globetrotters in Holland in 1958.

Jonte Hall "Traded" To The Harlem Globetrotters

Jonte "Too Tall" Hall

The Harlem Globetrotters announced their new rookie class today, and I am happy to report one of them is a "trade" from the Washington Generals.

Jonte Hall has been signed to the Harlem Globetrotters and will begin playing during the 2012 world tour, which kicks off on December 26th.

As is accustomed with the Globetrotters, Jonte has adopted a nickname (the Generals are so awesome their players don't need nick names.) So as of December 2011, Jonte will be known as "Too Tall" Hall.

Hall is being billed as the smallest Globetrotter ever at 5'2". Although, everything I have seen about him in the past list him as 5'3".

Jonte joined the Washington Generals a season and a half ago, near the end of the 2010 World Tour. He joined during the international leg, a common place for the Generals to "test out" new players. 

Jonte formerly played basketball for Catonsville Community College in Marilynd. He also briefly played with the now defunct Baltimore Pearls of the ABA.

Jonte is not the first Washington General to make the jump to the Harlem Globetrotters. Joining such former General and Globetrotter greats as long time Globetrotter Donald "Clyde" Sinclair, Frank Stephens who played with the Globetrotters during their prime in the 60's and 70's. Not to mention current Globetrotter,  Dizzy Grant. Who played for the New York Nationals in their final season before joining the Globetrotters.

Here is hoping a long and successful career with the Globetrotters for Jonte Hall.

- - - - - - - - - -

For those who are curious, here is a quick rundown of the other nine future rivals of the Washington Generals.

Jacob "Hops" Tucker - Some of you may remember Jacob Tucker from winning the Denny's Slam Dunk Contest.

Out of Illinois College, Jacob's performance at the Slam Dunk Contest, not to mention his insane 50ft vertical leap, got him drafted by the Globetrotters.

Of all the draft picks for 2011, Tucker was the one who was most vocal about being interested. So his joining is the least surprising. Regardless, anyone who has seen the videos of him dunking on YouTube knows that he was taylor made for the Harlem Globetrotters.

Paul "Tiny" Sturgess - Really? "Tiny"? They are nicknaming their tallest player ever "Tiny". I get the joke, don't get me wrong. I am just disappointing they went with such a predictable nickname.

Regardless, Sturgess was also part of the 2011 Globetrotter draft. I am a bit more surprised by him, although he would have been my second choice to join from the draft.I kind of thought he would get a good minor league or overseas contract based on his size alone. Their loss is the Globetrotters gain though, and the Generals nightmare.

Strugess hails from Loughborough, England and played previously for Mountain State University in West Virginia.

On an interesting note, Strugess is the only rookie to not be shown in the promotional photos of the new class. He also has a broken link on his profile at the Globetrotters page. I don't know if he was a late choice, they are going to do some "unveil the giant" kind of thing, or the link is simply broken.

Strugess was the tallest player ever in the NCAA and will become the tallest Harlem Globetrotter in the teams history at a whopping 7'8". The Generals better bring a ladder.

Darnell "Spider" Wilks - Wilks is the third draft pick to make the team. I could be wrong because I often am, but I think this is the first time three draft picks actually went on to play for the Globetrotters.

Considering the other draft pics were a 13 year old who won't be playing for another 10 years or so (if he chooses to join at that time), a soccer star, and a guy who was shortly after drafted by the Lakers, Wilks was the only other draft pick really in the running to end up on the Globetrotters.

Still, a lot of critics sited how the draft was "mostly for show" so with half the draft picks ending up playing for the Trotters they are welcome to give their critics a big "suck it!"

Wilks previously played for the University of Cincinnati and was a runner up in the Slam Dunk Contest.

John "Jett" Williams - Yet another participant in the Slam Dunk Contest, which as you might guess is a favorite of the Globetrotters to recruit from. For obvious reasons.

Williams previously played for UNC-Asheville where he led the team in blocks during his senior year and was second in rebounding.

While he has not gotten as much attention as some of the more "flashy" draft picks, Williams is definitley going to be one to watch. I think after when it is all said and done, and everyone has finished their careers with the Trotters, Jett might be the breakaway star of the draft.

Fatima "TNT" Maddox - Previously playing for Temple University, Maddox is only the 9th women to ever play for the Globetrotters, and is the first women to play for the team in 19 years. 

I had heard that Fatima was at the training camp but was halfway convinced it was just a rumor. After 19 years, I kind of figured that women playing for the Trotters and Generals might have becom a thing of the past. 

I also figured Maddox would make the WNBA if she ever were to play in the states. Of course, I am not sure the Trotters don't pay better, although that's sad if it's true. 

Maddox previously played for Temple, where she led them to a Atlantic 10 Tournament Title in 2006, and also played basketball in Sweeden. 

Maddox is also very good with the 3-point shots. Given that I haven't ever really seen her dunk, I am betting she will be scoring a lot of 4-point shots for the trotters in 2012.

Patrick "Flip" Atkins - Flip may be only 5'9" but when he played for Trinity International University, he led the team in assist, steals and rebounds in his senior year. Not someone to be trifled with.

Atkins is also a former member of the Jesse White Tumbers, who are no strangers to a basketball court themselves, regularly performing during halftime at many NBA and NCAA games.

Jermaine "Stretch" Middleton - I really don't know much about Middleton. He is being billed as the third tallest player in Globetrotter history at 7'4" putting him behind Sturgess and Globetrotter Dut Mayar.

The Generals might want to bring two ladders!

Quade "Quake" Milum - A former player for the University of Akron, Milum is also a former high school High Jump Champion. He competed in High Jump at Akron as well as basketball.

In Akron he ranks eigth in blocked shots for a career, and tied for 9th in blocked shots for a season. Looks like once more the Generals will have to pick their shots carefully as they won't be allowed many mistakes.

Anthony "Biggie" McClain - McClain is a former teammate of Wilks at University of Cincinnati. During his time there, McClain led the Bearcats in field goal percentages this last season. 

I'm kind of surprised by this one. I haven't seen McClain play much, but he doesn't strike me as the kind of player the Trotters would normally recruit. 

He is tall at 7 feet, but he never really did a lot of dunks or anything "fancy" that I know of. I'm curious to see how they use him. 

So there you have it, the latest batch of rookies for the Globetrotters. It is definitley an eclectic group, who along with the returning Trotters is likely to give the Generals plenty of grief. 

Is does seem unlikely that this will be the year the boys in Green and Gold finally score an elusive win, although I live in hope. But I have no doubt that the Generals will do what they truly do best, help elevate Hall and the rest of the rookies game to the next level. Which is where they truly shine. 

Lets just hope that Hall doesn't share too many of the Washington Generals insider secrets in the locker room talk. Seriously, don't they already have enough to overcome?

Randomness Week 21

Washington Generals 1986

The blog "Fun While It Lasted", which tells the stories of forgotten minor league and lesser known sports teams, recently wrote an article on the Maine Windjammers of the CBA/ The Windjammers players included current Washington Generals coach Sam Worthen. To read it CLICK HERE!

The Globetrotters began their training camp today, which will run through October 18th. They haven't announced their rookie class yet, so I don't know if any of the 5 players mentioned in the draft made it. Although Jacob Tucker seemed to be the only one who openly showed interest. So I am guessing if any of the drafted players end up on the team it will be him.

The Globetrotters also announced that they hired former Globetrotter Jimmy Blacklock as their newest coach. I noticed before doing this former General Donald Sinclair was taken off of their site. So it is possible he is replacing Sinclair, although I don't know that for certain. To read their press release on the story CLICK HERE!

This is about Globetrotter Ant Atkinson, but I found an interview with him that talks about his 2007 NCAA Division II championship game. He may play for the "rival team" but that game against Winona, is still one of the most amazing things I have ever seen in basketball. How many times can someone come back from being behind by 10 points with 40 seconds left, and turn it around and win? To read the story CLICK HERE!

Bassbarn.com posted an article looking back at old Bars on the Jersey Shore, and gave a brief mention of a bar formerly owned by Red Klotz. This is the first I have heard of it, but it could be beacause it was before my time. And I am not from New Jersey. So I am taking them at their word. You can read the article by CLICKING HERE!

Last Friday, the Miami Heat Basketball Blog posted a video of the Generals playing the Trotters in their arena. The clip was from a game last year, so not sure why they posted it now. Maybe they are listening to Barkley and actually think they could learn something watching the Generals. To read it CLICK HERE!

Finally, for anyone who hasn't noticed, the Harlem Globetrotters Homepage has gotten a makeover. Possibly in preparation for the new season starting soon.

Ode To The Bucket Of Confetti

Big Easy and Scooter performing the "Bucket of Confetti" trick

Copyright © by Mike/Mrghx4. All rights reserved. 

Used with permission.

Unlike my other tributes to popular reams done at a Generals vs Globetrotters game, this one doesn't actually involve the Washington Generals.

Still, it doesn't seem right to talk about the famous reams and not mention the most iconic of all. The Bucket of Confetti trick.

This trick was mostly originated by Meadowlark Lemon and Curly Neal, and has become probably the most famous comedy act done at a Globetrotter game.

It starts during a time out, when the Globetrotters will bring a bucket of water onto the court to refresh themselves. The teams Showman (These days usually "Big Easy" or "Special K", but the trick was originated by Meadowlark Lemon) will decide he wants a drink and go up to the Globetrotter currently holding their only cup. Usually this is the teams main dribbler (currently done primarily by "Flight Time" or "Scooter", but originated by Curly Neal) but will occasionally be another one of the trotters.

The Globetrotter with the cup will refuse, which won't sit well with the thirsty Showman. The two will argue and it will always end with the Trotter throwing water in the Showman's face.

This doesn't go over well with the Showman, who will go and get the bucket of water. He will then chase the other trotter with the bucket, threatening to throw it on him. The fleeing Trotter will briefly grab a kid to shield him, but quickly abandon the plan and continue running. After running a bit longer, he will run in front of the referee and duck just in time to avoid getting dunked, instead the hapless referee getting a face full of water.

Angered, the referee will chase the Showman backstage, but after a second both will come running out, with the Showman now chasing the referee with a brand new bucket. The other trotter will see this and flee once more, this time running up into the audience. Once the Showman has caught up with him, he will duck and the Showman will throw what seems to be another bucket of water into the audience.

Only this time it isn't water, but rather it us confetti. And both trotters will laugh at fooling the audience.

Unlike a lot of the other reams, which have evolved over time, this one is unique in that is has been basically unchanged in the over 40 years they have used it. If you were to watch Meadowlark and Curly do it, and then watch it happen at a game today, the only thing that has really changed is the players.

In fact, it has become so common that in truth the audience usually knows what is happening, save some small kids or adults at the game for the first time. So why do a trick that would seemingly not fool anyone?

Short answer, it's familiar. Like putting on a warm blanket.

Whether you were a fan in the 60's, the 80's, or are just discovering the Globetrotters games against the Generals, we all know the trick. It is something everyone shares, that no matter when we first saw the Globetrotters. We remember the bucket of confetti.

I have watched the Trotters play the Generals for over two decades now. I know the second they start drinking from that bucket where they are going with it, I could recite it blow by blow. But if it didn't happen, I would feel ripped off.

If it isn't broke, don't fix it. No one knows that better than the Harlem Globetrotters.

 Meadowlark and Curly performing the trick

 

Flight Time and Special K performing the trick

Best of the Guest Generals: John Kentra

Many players for the Harlem Globetrotters have mentioned that playing for that team is dream come true. But in 2010 in San Diego, the Washington Generals made John Kentra's own dream come true.

In 1979 Kentra, who was then playing college ball for United States International University, dropped his resume off with the security guard at The Sports Arena. He asked the guard if he would take the resume to Red Klotz, but understandably was skeptical it would make it to Red, or if he would read it.

To his surprise he spotted Klotz holding the manila envelope his resume was in the entire game. What was even better, he received a letter from Klotz two weeks later asking him to try out.

Unfortunately, Kentra suffered a knee injury and was not able to attend the tryouts, and his dream of playing for the Generals died. Or did it?

Cut to just over 30 years later in 2010, and Kentra finally got his chance to don the green and gold. Now a radio D.J. with XX 190 in San Diego, Kentra was offered to play with the team as a "Guest General" for the game at The Sports Arena in San Diego. The very same arena that Kentra tried to get in with the Generals decades ago.

Despite being in the best shape he had been in years, following a heart attack, the Generals lost to the Globetrotters that day. But to someone who once tried to be a member of the Washington Generals, I'm not sure Kentra would have wanted it any other way.

The Globetrotters have helped make the dreams come true for many people over the years. But sometimes, even their long time nemesis can make it happen.

Related Links

• After 30 years, Coach Kentera to live his Globetrotting dream