TIFTON —
The familiar music of “Sweet Georgia Brown” will be in the air Thursday, March 1, at the Albany Civic Center as the Harlem Globetrotters hit the basketball court.
Making people laugh and smile for 85 years, the team will put on their unique blend of exciting basketball, mixed with the comedy bits fans all know and love.
Taking time to talk in a telephone interview from Phoenix, Ariz., current Globetrotter Cheese Chisholm talked about his life as what could be a described as a world ambassador of smiles.
“It’s amazing,” said Chisholm. “Words can’t describe the feeling I get from making people smile.”
The Globetrotters have two touring teams, and while he will not be on the squad that comes to Albany, Chisholm took the time to talk about some of the players Albany fans will see March 1.
One of those players is Scooter Christensen, who holds two Guinness World Records for the longest time spinning a basketball on his head and...nose.
“He’s incredible,” said Chisholm.
Another exciting performer will be 5-10 Jacob “Hops” Tucker, who has a 50-inch vertical leap, which means his eyes can get horizontal with the rim.
Tucker proves athletes can be great students as well, as he earned All-Academic honors during each of his four years of college. He also graduated Cum Laude in exercise science and sports management studies.
“He can dunk with the best of them,” said Chisholm.
Known for his ball-handling skills, Chisholm said he looks up to former Globetrotter great Curly Neal.
“He was always great, and he was a guy that paved the way for me,” said Chisholm.
Another similiar player is Handles Franklin, who will be coming to Albany.
“He is incredible,” Chisholm said of Franklin, who dribbles while he lies on the floor and spins around.
One other player Chisholm talked about who will be coming to Albany is Big Easy Lofton, who has been called the funniest guy among any of the Globetrotter players.
Lofton teamed with Globetrottre teammate Flight Time Lang for a season of CBS’ “The Amazing Race,” finishing fourth.
Chisholm promised, “Albany will see the Harlem Globetrotters at their best. There will be a lot of high-flying dunks, great basketball and fun for the entire family.”
And while the Trotters are known for their comedy, Chisholm also emphasizes that the team can be serious.
“If anyone thinks we can’t play (serious basketball), they would be absolutely wrong. Every time I step on the court, I am there to win,” said Chisholm.
The Globetrotters will begin at 7 p.m. March 1, and afterwards, will make sure to stick around.
“We line up around the court and sign autographs and take pictures with the fans,” said Chisholm.
For more information about tickets call the civic center box office at 430-5200, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday, or from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
Local Sports
Related Photos
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Jacob “Hops” Tucker, above, lives up to his nickname. Photos/Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc.
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Joining “Hops” Tucker in Albany will be, from left, Handles Franklin, Big Easy Lofton and Scooter Christensen. Photo/Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc.
Globetrotters coming to Albany
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