Trotters vow different treat in every show

MANILA, Philippines - Although the Harlem Globetrotters will unravel the traditional tricks of the trade in every show, the world-famous basketball team promises a different treat for fans in three games against the Washington Generals on May 24-25 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The tricks include the Magic Circle, the bucket of confetti, the disappearing basketball, the halfcourt hook shot and the dribbling wizardry but the outcome of each game is not scripted as the Generals, led by former NBA guard Sam Worthen as coach, will always look to spoil the party.

Of course, the Generals haven’t beaten the Trotters since 1971 but Harlem’s overall win streak of 8,829 games came to an abrupt halt when a team of NBA veterans won, 91-85, during a European tour in 1995. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored 34 points and hit 15-of-16 field goals to lead the ex-pros’ attack.

A highlight in the Trotters history was their 126-114 win over a US NCAA All-Star selection in Phoenix in 1997. Magic Johnson suited up for the Globies and registered a triple double with 29 points, 11 rebounds and 15 assists.

Since the Trotters were formed in 1926, they’ve established a reputation as credible basketball players, family entertainers and ambassadors of goodwill. They travel all over the world bringing smiles to the faces of fans from all walks of life.

But even as the Globies like to clown around on the court, they mean serious business when the game is on the line. They’re a proud team and every Trotter hates to lose, especially if the Generals are the opposing squad.

It’s not certain how many trips the Trotters have made to Manila but historians confirmed they visited here in 1952 and 1991. So the third trip is a big deal because it comes after nearly a 20-year wait.

The games are set at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. this Sunday and 7 p.m. on Monday.

Harlem executive vice president Jeff Munn assured a different treat for fans who watch all three games of the Trotters’ series here because the team is so unpredictable. Besides, the Generals are out to disrupt their act at every opportunity even if they’re known as the comic foils.

Munn, who was in Manila last month to announce the tour, said the Trotters are playing three games here because of the game’s widespread popularity among Filipinos.

In this Asian tour, the Trotters are playing three games in Manila, two in Singapore and one in Kuala Lumpur. In July, they are scheduled to play 15 games in China. This year, the team is booked to appear in 240 games in the US and 150 games in 50 other countries around the world.

Harlem international booking coordinator Bobby Dulle said the Trotters are split into two touring squads – one for the US and another for overseas games.

The Trotters arrived at Clark Air Field yesterday morning. Heading the cast is 6-10 “showman” Nate (Big Easy) Lofton of Southeastern Louisiana. Lofton, 28, was a two-time All-Southland Conference selection and as a senior in 2004-05, led Southeastern Louisiana in four major statistical categories, averaging 7.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.6 blocked shots. He also hit at an 11.3 clip and shot .544 from the field. Lofton signed up with the Trotters four years ago.

Known for his gregarious personality and thunderous dunks, Lofton is a hometown hero in New Orleans. When Hurricane Katrina hit the city in 2005, he led 13 family members on a dangerous evacuation in a pick-up truck from the uptown projects to Houston.

The Globetrotters will also treat residents of Maharlika and Signal villages in Taguig City to a free exhibition game today which will be attended by US Ambassador Kristie Kenney at the Signal Village gymnasium. She will also bring children of several charitable institutions to the Sunday show as part of the embassy’s outreach program. – Joaquin Henson