Globetrotters mourn skilful star with huge smile
Fred “Curly” Neal, the dribbling wizard who entertained millions with the Harlem Globetrotters for 22 years, has died. He was 77.
The Globetrotters said Neal died in his home outside Houston on Thursday.
“We have lost one of the most genuine human beings the world has ever known,” Globetrotters general manager Jeff Munn said. “Curly’s basketball skill was unrivalled by most, and his warm heart and huge smile brought joy to families worldwide.”
Neal played for the Globetrotters during
1963-85, appearing in more than 6000 games in 97 countries for the exhibition team known for its combination of comedy and athleticism.
He became one of five Globetrotters to have his jersey retired when his No 22 was lifted to the rafters during a special ceremony at Madison Square Garden in 2008.
Neal was a crowd favourite with his shaved head, infectious smile and ability to dribble circles around would-be defenders. He was a key player during the Globetrotters’ most popular era in the 1970s and ’80s, appearing on TV shows and specials like The Ed Sullivan Show, Love Boat and Gilligan’s Island. Neal and the Globetrotters also appeared in numerous TV commercials, episodes of Scooby-Doo and had their own cartoon series.
“Hard to express how much joy Curly Neal brought to my life growing up. RIP to a legend,” Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr tweeted.
Neal was a star high school player in Greensboro, North Carolina, and led Johnson C Smith University in Charlotte to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title after averaging 23 points a game as a senior. He was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.
Neal also was inducted into the Globetrotters’ Legends ring in 1993 and continued to make appearances for them as a goodwill ambassador.