Globtrotters Swish ‘Em At Arena Monday

The sultans of slam, the aristocrats of the air and the wizards of courtside wheezes, the legendary Harlem Globetrotters will take to the court at the Spokane Arena on Monday.

Now in their 71st season, the Globetrotters haven’t changed much over the years. The faces may be different, but the all-star exhibition team is still renowned for its patriotic colors and basketball wizardry.

The mighty Globetrotters stand as one of the country’s finest family entertainment/sports traditions and have been around longer than the NBA.

What many people don’t know is that the Harlem Globetrotters almost went extinct. Two years ago, former team member Mannie Jackson purchased the nearbankrupt organization and turned it around.

Under Jackson’s leadership, the team has become more accessible to fans by signing autographs, holding clinics and making appearances at schools. They held two in Spokane on Wednesday and host two more Monday at the Northeast Community Center at 10:30 a.m. and at the East Central Community Center at 2:45 p.m.

Perhaps Jackson’s best move as owner was disbanding the winless Washington Generals, the Globetrotters long-time unworthy opponents.

For almost two years now, the team has been dueling the International All-Stars, a team comprised of international all-star basketball players. In fact, the new team even beat the Globetrotters on one occasion.

The current Globetrotter roster boasts a couple of world-record holders. Michael Wilson and Sean Williams both soared a startling 11 feet, 8 inches for slam dunks, breaking the previous record by 1 inch.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: The Harlem Globetrotters will appear at the Spokane Arena at 7 p.m. Monday. Tickets are $30/$20 for all VIP and courtside seats and $15.50/$10.50 for others ($13.50/$8.50 for seniors and students), available at G&B Select-a-Seat outlets or call (800) 325-SEAT.