thedrifter
12-19-08, 08:11 AM
Hundreds watch as Globetrotters put on a show
Lance Cpl. Kentavist P. Brackin
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (December 19, 2008) -- Several hundred fans gathered in anticipation to watch the Harlem Globetrotters game show at the Gunners field house here Saturday.
The event is one of the special events and programs sponsored by Marine Corps Community Services for Marines stationed on Okinawa during the holiday season.
The Harlem Globetrotters are known as tricksters and masters of the basketball. The players combine humorous showmanship with athletic talent for a crowd pleasing performance.
Since the team was formed in 1926, the Harlem Globetrotters have played more than 22,000 exhibition games, dazzling audiences in more than 118 countries.
The Globetrotters travel with, and compete against, their rival team, the Generals.
Before the game kicked off, the crowd stood for the national anthem and remained standing for a moment of silence to honor fallen Globetrotter Chris "Flash" Richardson. Richardson died in his sleep Dec. 10 while on tour with the team in Sasebo Japan.
Shortly after the tribute, the Globetrotters came running on the court to the sounds of cheering and applause and a whistled version of 'Sweet Georgia Brown', the team's signature song.
The game began in Globetrotter fashion with the tricksters passing the ball around and executing stunts that amazed the crowd but seemed to irritate the referee, who was constantly yelling at the players for hanging on the goal after dunking.
Not the least bit discouraged, the Globetrotters continued their shenanigans, taunting the referee and even jumping over him to dunk the ball.
The first half ended with a lot of yelling from the referee, fans cheering and laughing and the Generals trailing 39-24.
The second half began much like the first.
The comedy continued as Globetrotters entertained a James Bond notion during free throws by Generals' player Chris Spartz. With the theme music playing, players tip-toed behind Spartz and yanked his shorts while he was shooting.
During the fourth quarter, the Globetrotters requested crowd participation in dancing to the Village People classic, "YMCA".
The game ended 82-74, in favor of the Globetrotters, and it was time to pay up.
Globetrotter Nate "Big Easy" Lofton made a deal with the Generals' coach before the game. The loser would have to wear a tutu or a hotdog costume.
The crowd watched eagerly as the Generals' coach accepted the costume and cheered as the tutu-wearing hotdog walked off the court.
"I enjoyed the game," said Dwight Hall, a Globetrotter fan at the show. "The part I like the most was how they passed the ball around and kept doing tricks and stuff with the ball."
After the show, the players signed autographs for the fans.
The Globetrotters coach said the team was honored to play on Okinawa.
"I feel great," said Big Easy. "We love coming over here and playing for the troops and their families. We know they are out there doing their job protecting us and we appreciate it."
Ellie
Lance Cpl. Kentavist P. Brackin
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (December 19, 2008) -- Several hundred fans gathered in anticipation to watch the Harlem Globetrotters game show at the Gunners field house here Saturday.
The event is one of the special events and programs sponsored by Marine Corps Community Services for Marines stationed on Okinawa during the holiday season.
The Harlem Globetrotters are known as tricksters and masters of the basketball. The players combine humorous showmanship with athletic talent for a crowd pleasing performance.
Since the team was formed in 1926, the Harlem Globetrotters have played more than 22,000 exhibition games, dazzling audiences in more than 118 countries.
The Globetrotters travel with, and compete against, their rival team, the Generals.
Before the game kicked off, the crowd stood for the national anthem and remained standing for a moment of silence to honor fallen Globetrotter Chris "Flash" Richardson. Richardson died in his sleep Dec. 10 while on tour with the team in Sasebo Japan.
Shortly after the tribute, the Globetrotters came running on the court to the sounds of cheering and applause and a whistled version of 'Sweet Georgia Brown', the team's signature song.
The game began in Globetrotter fashion with the tricksters passing the ball around and executing stunts that amazed the crowd but seemed to irritate the referee, who was constantly yelling at the players for hanging on the goal after dunking.
Not the least bit discouraged, the Globetrotters continued their shenanigans, taunting the referee and even jumping over him to dunk the ball.
The first half ended with a lot of yelling from the referee, fans cheering and laughing and the Generals trailing 39-24.
The second half began much like the first.
The comedy continued as Globetrotters entertained a James Bond notion during free throws by Generals' player Chris Spartz. With the theme music playing, players tip-toed behind Spartz and yanked his shorts while he was shooting.
During the fourth quarter, the Globetrotters requested crowd participation in dancing to the Village People classic, "YMCA".
The game ended 82-74, in favor of the Globetrotters, and it was time to pay up.
Globetrotter Nate "Big Easy" Lofton made a deal with the Generals' coach before the game. The loser would have to wear a tutu or a hotdog costume.
The crowd watched eagerly as the Generals' coach accepted the costume and cheered as the tutu-wearing hotdog walked off the court.
"I enjoyed the game," said Dwight Hall, a Globetrotter fan at the show. "The part I like the most was how they passed the ball around and kept doing tricks and stuff with the ball."
After the show, the players signed autographs for the fans.
The Globetrotters coach said the team was honored to play on Okinawa.
"I feel great," said Big Easy. "We love coming over here and playing for the troops and their families. We know they are out there doing their job protecting us and we appreciate it."
Ellie