There is a fine point when sports and geekdom touch. The Harlem Globetrotters have been one of those points. The Globetrotters bring the humor and fun into basketball. No one exemplified this for me than Curly Neal.
Curly was a part of The Globetrotters that recaptured the imagination of the country during the 70s and 80s. Curly along with Meadowlark Lemon were the leaders of this great troupe of awesome group. He played in 6000 games and in 97 countries. They even starred in their Saturday morning cartoons.
Curly was the master of dribbler and long range shooter. His playful banter made him magnetic personality. He was the full package when ti came to being an entertainer and athlete. Curly’s jersey (#22) was retried and hangs in the rafters of Madison Square Garden along with only 4 other Globetrotters: Wilt Chamberlain; Marques Haynes; Meadowlark Lemon; and Goose Tatum.
Rest In Peace Curly. You always entertained and amazed us.
