Look what’s coming to the metropolitan New York-New Jersey area! It’s a team that plays for fun and enjoyment. They are not so serious about the game during which time they emphasize fancy playing thus making the spectators want to see more of such action. This is what one calls entertainment, especially for the kids and youngsters.
The games between the Washington Generals and the Harlem Globetrotters tip off Dec. 30 with the first game of a double header set for 2:00 p.m., followed by a rest period, and then another game during the evening session starting at 7:00 p.m. All the action is at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
One of the 29 players on the roster, divided into ‘units,’ is Anthony Blakes, better known as ‘Buckets.’ Buckets wears number 15. All the team members go by their nickname. And not all the players come and dress for each game..
Although Buckets stands 6 feet 2 inches, he can do almost anything on the court. However, he is more noted for his backcourt performances. He can run the point and/or be the shooting or ‘off’ guard.
“I can do both equally well,” Buckets said. “It (my position on the court) depends on my teammates (and the game situation). (In addition), I play small forward and I can also rebound and block shots (if necessary). I was always an athletic player.”
Buckets loves putting on a Harlem Globetrotter uniform.
“We have great and smart players on this team,” he added. “And all are crowd favorites. It is a community oriented team. By being a member of the Globetrotters I learn to be the best person I can be on the court.”
The players have a tremendous time in showcasing their skills.
Buckets as well as his teammates have a goal in mind every time they step onto the court-and that is, to excite the fans.
He competed for the University of Wyoming before going to the Harlem Globetrotters. He is in his ninth year in playing for the latter organization.
“I’m having an amazing opportunity to play for the world’s most famous team,” he went on. “I’ve been to 60 countries as a player. We make people laugh and smile. My goal is to entertain the fans.”
The Globetrotters are in their 85th year of existence.
“Our 85th season promises to be a landmark year with never before seen innovations in the game,” said Michael Kenney, the team’s senior vice-president of live event marketing. “You’ll want to get your tickets now to witness first hand what we have in store for our wonderful fans around the world..”
There are five players on the Globetrotters who come from the New York City area- Bam Bam Bamiro, Cheese Chisholm, Willie Shaw, Zeus Stewart, and Hammer Harrison.
Actually, the season started in early October and the Globetrotters played 40 games. They have played so many games in a short period of time. The North American tour starts this month and ends in late May. Their schedule showcases games in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Pittsburgh; Richmond, Virginia; Cleveland, Baltimore and Chicago and before stopping in Newark, New Jersey.
Games in the met area are at the Prudential Center on Thursday, Dec. 30 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; Madison Square Garden, Friday, Feb. 18 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 19 starting 1:00 p.m. at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey; and on the same evening again at Madison Square Garden at 7:30 p.m.
Action moves to Long Island’s Nassau Coliseum for contests on Sunday, Feb. 20 with tip off time: 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and concludes on the next day at the Izod Center at 1:00 p.m.
