The Clown Princes of B-Ball

The Harlem Globetrotters return to Western Washington this week, as they have almost yearly since 1936. We first saw their razzle-dazzle, faux-basketball comedy antics at the UPS Fieldhouse during their ‘70s heyday. Back then, Curly Neal, Geese Ausbie, Meadowlark Lemon and the gang starred in multiple Saturday-morning TV shows (in both live-action and animated form), and made regular appearances on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. We loved their shtick, from the cool uniforms to the way they pantsed their opponents. We mistakenly assumed they were simply too good to be allowed in the NBA.

The ‘Trotters formed in Chicago in 1926, using “Harlem” to emphasize the team’s all-black lineup (they didn’t play an actual game in Harlem until 1968). The touring squad competed against college teams, but not until a 1939 game when they were seriously trouncing an opponent did they start clowning. The crowd loved it, so founder/coach Abe Saperstein gave them permission goof around whenever they held a safe lead. They began developing full-blown routines, along with their signature pre-game “Magic Circle,” in which the players creatively pass the ball around to the tune of "Sweet Georgia Brown.” Competition soon gave way to game-length comedy performances, but not before they were upset by Seattle U in a legitimate 1952 contest.

Now in their 80th season, the Globetrotters aren’t nearly as popular as they used to be -- the only one we can name is Snazzy Wiggles, and he ain’t even real. Still, they put on a fun show, combining amazing ball handling, unbelievable shooting prowess and imaginative dunk shots with well-rehearsed prop comedy (the bouncing hankie, wigs, etc.) and lots of audience interaction (mock-theft of old ladies’ purses, dumping buckets of confetti on fans). Of course, they still clobber their generic opponents with ridiculously lopsided scores.

The Clown Princes play tonight at the Tacoma Dome, and Thursday and Friday nights at the Everett Events Center. As always, these events are only exhibitions and not competitions. Please, no wagering.