12/03/24
February 21, 2003
In a league of their own.: They didn't know, and that is surely a part of the charm. Marques Haynes and his Harlem Globetrotter teammates knew they were headed into a terrific contest against the mighty Minneapolis Lakers on that day 55 years ago. Haynes certainly understood the mathematics in play, an all all-black team facing an all-white team. -- Mark Kreidler looks back at a game that led to integration and changed the NBA forever.
posted by Ufez Jones to basketball at 10:19 AM - 4 comments
The Harlem Globetrotters have a fascinating history. They also had their own cartoon and, of course, got caught on Gilligan's Island. Here's hoping this movie is less cheesy than that...
posted by Joey Michaels at 03:03 PM on February 21, 2003
I'd never heard of Willie O'Ree until this weekend.
posted by hootch at 08:49 AM on February 24, 2003
Mannie Jackson played at my high school and makes many appearances in the area. I've also had the opportunity to interview several of the Globetrotters over the years, including a great look with a member of the Washington Generals. It may look pretty lame on the commercials, but if you love kids or just love hoops, the Globetrotters are 20x as entertaining as any NBA game. Check 'em out.
posted by wfrazerjr at 12:57 PM on February 24, 2003
It’s good to see these guys getting some press, and I hope the movie lives up to its potential (although $40 says its ruined by a melodramatic love story that involves a fictional mixed-race couple). You hear about Jackie Robinson all of the time, but never these guys. And you almost never hear about hockey’s equivalent, Willie O’ Ree (although that may be because Willie wasn’t very good).