Harlem Globetrotters off tour, still entertaining

The Harlem Globetrotters had to suspend their touring schedule, but the world-renowned basketball entertainers are still around to help kids and families pass the time constructively while waiting out the coronavirus pandemic.

The Globetrotters are sharing a regular video series on the team website featuring educational and motivational tips for young fans, with team highlights and, of course, some of their legendary trick shots and ball-handling dexterity for the family to enjoy.

The first three episodes feature Chris “Handles” Franklin, who says he’s been living his lifelong dream of being a member of the Globetrotters for the last 13 years.

“It’s pretty much an extension of our roles as ambassadors of goodwill,” says Franklin of the video series. “There are millions of people at home right now, practicing social distancing while trying to find things to do. That was definitely our goal.”

Other members of the team will be featured in future episodes, and they might include their own children.

“Some of my teammates have younger kids, so they might work them into these,” Franklin says.

“They’ll each put their own unique spin on them depending on their strengths and what they want to teach. We’re at home like everyone else, but you know the creative juices never stop. We’re all just trying to create.”

Franklin, who played college ball at Lock Haven (Pennsylvania) and has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work, emphasizes teamwork and the importance of studying in his first couple of offerings. But he also recreates one of his signature moves, a kneeling, back-to-the-basket shot for which he holds the world record for distance.

Franklin and the Globetrotters are coping with last week’s death of one of the team’s most iconic figures – Fred “Curly” Neal. Franklin said Neal was a mentor when “Handles” joined the organization and became a great friend to him.