The Harlem Globetrotters To Guest Star On "Kickin' It"

The Harlem Globetrotters will be appearing in an episode of the Disney XD tv series "Kickin' It". I

 have no idea what that show is about, but I do know Disney XD is a cable channel aimed more for boys the the current Disney Channel's more girl centric shows. It has something to do with them playing against the stars in a basketball game. Who will likely learn how the Generals have been feeling every game since 1971.

Interestingly it looks like it will have Big Easy and Special K both together in the game. Now THAT is just plain unrealistic. 

I will TIVO the episode and depending on if I think it's worth reviewing on this site I might be following this with a review. Although it looks like the Generals/Elite/Select won't be present in it. Although that isn't really surprising, the number of times the Generals appeared on any Globetrotter appearance not in a reality show is very, very small.

RELATED LINKS

Trotters Guest Star in "Kickin' It"

Vintage Washington Generals

Here is a video I came across of the Harlem Globetrotters, let by Sweet Lou Dunbar taking on the Washington Generals. This was the last season the Generals played under that name before starting their 12 year tenure as their second most famous identity, the New York Nationals.

Incedently, while a lot of people think of Meadowlark when they think of the TRUE Globetrotter showman, Sweet Lou was the Generals lead arch rival during my childhood.

Randomness - 39th Edition

Photo by Brian Collins. Used with permission. 

I came across a nice article worth sharing on current Elite/Select player William "Bill" Richardson. Who as well as playing for them is a Forward for the IBL Basketball team the Olympia Reign. To read it CLICK HERE!

The Bellingham Herald, of Bellingham, WA did a great article of former Washington General and current Harlem Globetrotter, Jonte "Too Tall" Hall. To read it CLICK HERE!

Patrick Strait wrote an article the Global Select and International Elite MUST read giving tips on how to finally beat the Harlem Globetrotters. To read it CLICK HERE!

I found an excellent post about the history of the Globetrotters and the infamous 1971 win that is a must read for any Generals fan. To read it CLICK HERE! 

Here is an article from The Daily Athenaeum about a game earlier in the week citing how the International Elite was ahead most of the game. Not surprising they couldn't pull off the win, but always glad to see someone give them their props. They did take a small stab at the "Almost too good to be true, seemingly scripted win" but come on, no one is impressed when you imply wrestling is "fake" either. To read the article CLICK HERE!

Another good account of a game between the Global Select and the Globetrotters can be found HERE!

I came across an interesting article from a year ago, mentioning some of the Harlem Globetrotters most notable losses. Including to no surprise the New Jersey Red's infamous 1971 win. As well as their loss to Langston (from my home state) lead by future Globetrotter Superstar Marques Haynes. The Trotters aren't beatable Elite and Select. Don't give up hope! To read it CLICK HERE!

Finally here is a YouTube video posted recently by YouTube user Bballstar529. It shows the Select, after a slow start, turning it around and gaining the lead (until they eventually lost of course. What can you do?). Which is due mostly to Eric Beal's excellent three-pointers as well as Anthony Smith at the free-throw, who I swear could make a free throw if the Globetrotters drove a semi-truck behind him. Although to be fair he has had a lot of practice.

Fan Trailer For Washington Generals Movie

I was working on my latest Randomness post, but decided that this video was simply too awesome to not give it's own post.

Not much to say, you just have to see it. But I will say this is the work of some awesome and dedicated fellow Washington Generals fans.



I urge fellow Generals Fans to go to their YouTube link and Comment and Like this video and show the world we support the Washington Generals. And who knows, maybe it will lead to them even bringing back
the Green and Gold.

CLICK HERE FOR THEIR YOUTUBE VIDEO PAGE!

Best Of The Guest Generals: Krusty the Clown

Many local TV personalities have played as Guest Generals over the years. But perhaps none have ever had quite as big of an investment in the role as when they traveled to Springfield in the great state of... well we all know where that is located don't we?

In the town of Springfield, perhaps no TV personality is more known to local children than Krusty the Clown. Born Herschel Shmoikel Pinchas Yerucham Krustofski, Krusty dreamed of entertaining kids while cashing in on his fame and getting really, REALLY drunk. And so Herschel followed his dream of doing slapstick and carved his own path.

Adopting the name Krusty the Clown, he became loved by a generation of Children throughout Springfield. A generation who's childhood has lasted 23 years and counting. Don't ask me how that happened, something is in the water in that town.

His tenure has not been without controversy, as Krusty has been dealt his fare share of setbacks. They include gambling and alcohol addictions, mob ties, a contest scandal during the 1980 Olympics and often being less than kid friendly in his personal life.

One such instance was when he franchised his name, but lost the money he made betting on the Washington Generals in a game against the Globetrotters. Most would agree that wasn't the smartest move (He should have just bet fifty cents, the money he would win would have set him for life.) But it is nice to know someone believed in the Generals.

Krusty swore to one day undo that mistake. And when the Washington Generals came to Springfield, he had his chance.

But like his television career his tenure as a Guest General was not without controversy. Players reported a heated confrontation with Reggie Harrison, coach of the Generals, as Krusty was seen lecturing the Generals backstage.

Comments such as "How did you even get on a basketball team, you're so short?", "Don't spread your legs apart so far, they will bounce the ball under you!", "They wouldn't always pull your pants down if you wouldn't take so long to make a free throw shot, moron!", and "Who here needs a tutorial in the difference between a basketball and a beach ball full of helium? Lets take care of this right now!", were heard in the locker room.

The game was not without similar setbacks as Krusty was seen yelling repeatedly at the referees for their questionable calls. Although to be fair, isn't it about time someone in Green and Gold called them on their B.S.?

He also generated a lot of anger as he yelled at player Shawn Faust with directions, "He's spinning the ball on his finger! Just take it! Take the ball!"

Things got worse when it was finally Krusty's time to get on the court. Which happened early in the first quarter. It is unusual for a Guest General to be out so early, but speculation is Coach Harrison just wanted to get it over with in this case.

A small confrontation arose when Globetrotter showman Special K offered Krusty his free three point shot. Seems Krusty disagreed with Special K's assessment he was a nice guy. Although Krusty's hefting the ball 10 feet in the worlds biggest air ball probably didn't help make him look good either. Seems a lifetime of beer and cigarette's don't do much to help with athletic skills.

After offering Krusty a three point shot Krust was seen making a gesture not suitable for repeating in a family blog like this one, and trying to go for a layup instead. Which he missed.

The Globetrotters went into their usual routine of sitting down as Krusty continued to try for his shots. Hoever, as his attempts neared the five minute mark with no basket and the children's show host huffing and puffing, the crowd grew restless. Although the Trotters were said to appreciate the extra time for a nap, what with their schedule being so grueling.

Mercifully, Globetrotter "Scooter" finally took the ball from Krusty after an embarrassing tug of war for the ball. He then shot the ball himself, scoring for the Generals to mercifully end the routine, as he feared the residents of Springfield would eventually grow old waiting for Krusty to make the shot himself.

This didn't sit well with the Generals most temperamental player, as he argued and eventually challenged Scotter to a fight. While taunting, "what's wrong Globetrotter... need a ladder?"

Security finally came and dragged Krusty out kicking and screaming. He was last heard on the arena yelling, "You losers better pull it together! I got money on this game!" His incentive didn't help as the Generals lost once more that night.

The head of the local studio was seen by one witness with his face in his hands while muttering, "I should have gone with Brockman!"



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And on another note for anyone who hasn't actually figured it out yet. Happy April Fools day!

And for those of you who thought this post was dumb... at least I didn't post "Washington Generals beat Globetrotters". How predictable and lame of an attempt at an April Fools joke would that have been?


RELATED LINKS


Krusty the Clown on Wikipedia

Simpson Crazy - A Simspons Fan Site

Another Globetrotter Related April Fools Day Joke

Randomness -39th Edition - Includes Site Announcement

Before I get into this weeks Randomness, I wanted to get into some site news. As some of you, I am sure, have noticed I am not updating as frequently as I used to. I won't get into what happened, as I am sure no one wants excuses. But suffice it to say I have been a bit more busy than I was when I started this site. 

As such post to this blog will be a little slower than usual for the moment. It doesn't mean I am giving up on this blog. On the contrary, I still love the Generals as much as ever, new name and "Black and Yellow" and everything. Just for the immediate future updates may be a bit slower. 

I don't know how long this will continue. It shouldn't be too long, but I don't want to give a specific time table and then not keep to it. As I know that would be worse. 

I will do my best to make the updates I have count, and will still keep on top of what is going on in Washington General's land and of course update on "breaking news" as fast as I can. I also am working on some new "Top Player" entries which will include some Generals that have long been overdue for one. 

So please, bear with me and keep visiting. In exchange I will do my best to not only get back to more frequent updates as soon as possible. But emphasize quality over quantity in the meantime, and beyond. 

With that out of the way...

I just came across this but a quick congratulations to the International Elite and Harlem Globetrotters for selling out the Florida Atlantic University arena earlier this month. To read about the game CLICK HERE!

A blog called Bringham's Blog did a post on our favorite sports team which can be read HERE!

There was also an excellent article about the Elite's game against the Globetrotters in Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center You can read it HERE!

There was a brief article mentioning the upcoming game in the Washington Generals "quasi home town" of Washington, DC that you can read HERE!

This is Globetrotter related, but here is a list I came across of the "25 Greatest Harlem Globetrotter Players of All Time" from Yahoo Sports!. Unfortunatley none of the Generals to cross over to the Globetrotters made the cut (was holding out hope Gene Hudgins or Clyde Sinclair would make his list. But no such luck), but it is still an interesting list. To read it CLICK HERE!

Game Coverage From The Elite's Game At The University Of Oregon in the Matthew Knight Arena

YouTube user  kwebb121765 posted just under an hour of footage from the February 24th game in the Matthew Knight Arena in Oregon State. (which would sound like the whole game, but he recorded plenty of comedy reams and the like as well as game play). These clips are apparently in 3D also, but someone with 3D capability will have to tell me if it works.

So here is the rundown for you guys...

CLIP 1

Features the introduction, which runs down the game being the championship and the losing team not being able to play at the 2013 tour.

The features the INTERTNATIONAL ELITE INTRODUCTORY VIDEO IN IT'S ENTIRETY (which I was robbed of seeing when I went to see the Elite play live. Robbed I tell you!) as well as both teams interance and the "magic circle".

Interesting trivia fact no one will EVER ask you. According to the video, the Elite's tournament wins were against a team called the "Legends" (couldn't read the first name, but there was a team that played the Trotters overseas created by Abe Saperstien called the "Texas Legends") the "Norse Stars" and a team I couldn't read on my small YouTube screen fast enough but was the "Asian (somethings)".

The "Norse Stars" never knew what hit them!
And they were favored in the spread too. 

It ends with the teams warming up and the refferee explaining the 4-point shot and penalty box.

CLIP 2

Starts with the Trotters getting a kid from the audience to spin the ball. The cuts to Big G's dance. 

It's then followed by some gameplay including the fake out they do with the tip off and the trotter sitting on the goal. It then shows the dribble keep away (they must have been behind, cut to that the second the three trotters went to the penalty box).

Then get some footage of the second half warm ups and the start of the second half which includes some nice 3-pointers by the Elite (what they do best, besides lose). Also has a nice steak by the Elite, which I mention because seriously, how often will I get to type that sentence?

The clip ends with the purse ream. 

CLIP 3

Starts with the infamous bucket of confetti ream.

It then has some gameplay, including that weird ream where two trotters play keep away with two Elite, then trick them into grabbing the ball out of bounds, then the refferee sends all 4 of them to the penalty box. Ok, I know that the game is "entertainment" but I have seen that ream a dozen times now and I still have no idea why the Elite/Select end up in the penalty box for it. What did they do?

It ends with some nice action at the end, as the Elite manage to hold onto a slim lead for most of the last part of the 4th quarter (which they had for most of the game from what we saw). The Elite were really doing well that night. (the referee even called a clearly unscripted foul on the Elite, to give the trotters two shots to try and narrow the Elites lead, clearly knowing the Elite was one 4-pointer away from making the Trotters have to work hard for their win.)

CLIP 4

Pics up where the last clip leaves off, as the Elite are still keeping the Trotters from getting a "comfortable" lead. The referee again calls one of the infamous "partial" calls, calling the ball out of bounds on the elite when clearly it was the trotters who took the ball out of bounds. 

The Trotters call time out to give a kid in the audience a chance to shoot a free-throw. Followed by some more gameplay, including the pantsing. 

The Trotters, to no ones surprise take the lead in the final minutes, due mostly to some good 4-point shots by Dizzy, and the Trotters win and celebrate with the trophy. 

The Elite played a hell of a good game though. Congrads to the Elite for once more making the Harlem Globetrotters "earn it".