Globetrotters taking tricks to Kona for first time

Tribune-Herald

They’ve travelled all around the world, but the Harlem Globetrotters have never been to West Hawaii — until now.

The Globetrotters will bring their unique brand of basketball to Kealakehe High’s gym for a matinee showing April 27.

The Globetrotters no longer are running circles around the Washington Generals, but they figure to have at least a few tricks up their sleeve when they take on the World All-Stars as part of their Fans Rule tour.

Fans can go online to harlem globetrotters.com to vote on what rules they’d like to see implemented for the 3 p.m. exhibition, including hot hand jersey, make-or-miss and trick-shot challenge.

Either way, expect a Globetrotters victory. The team’s last loss came in 2006, and its winning percentage is approaching 99 percent.

But competition is only part of the package. According to a spokesperson, fans come to see the Globetrotters for their “world famous wizardry.”

“We’ve had a pretty good run the last three or four decades,” the spokesperson said. “It’s great family fun, and the kids get caught up in the excitement.

“After virtually every game, Globetrotter stars remain on the court for autographs and photographs with fans.”

Back in their popular heyday during the 1970s and ’80s, the Globetrotters featured icons such as Meadowlark Lemon and Fred “Curly” Neal.

Players scheduled to appear in Kailua-Kona on a split squad include Flight Time Lang, T-Time Brawner and Bull Bullard.

The game is the last stop on a Hawaii tour that also will have appearances on Maui and Oahu. The Globetrotters’ last island visit in 2012 included an exhibition in Hilo.

Tickets are $30 and a limited number of courtside seats are available for $80 at harlemglobetrotters.com, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 866-777-8932. Information on discounted group and scout tickets is also available.