Number 22 Counts Down His Top 22 Moments
Harlem Globetrotter legend Curly Neal, who on Feb. 15 had his number 22 retired by the team at the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, counts down his Top 22 moments as a Globetrotter in special video clips on the home page and the Video Gallery.
Still sporting the trademark shaved head, wide smile and infectious laugh that made him a pop culture icon for decades, Curly is just the fifth Globetrotter in the team’s illustrious 82-year history to have his jersey number retired, joining some of the biggest names in basketball lore: Wilt Chamberlain (13), Meadowlark Lemon (36), Marques Haynes (20) and Goose Tatum (50).
One of the truly magical dribblers and shooters ever to pick up a ball, Curly captured the imagination of fans worldwide, playing in more than 6,000 games in 97 countries with the Globetrotters. Number 22 played for 22 seasons in the red, white and blue, from 1963 to 1985.
Curly was part of one of the most extraordinary eras in the team’s history, appearing on several popular television programs and specials, including “ABC’s Wide World of Sports,” “The Harlem Globetrotters Popcorn Machine,” and “The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island.” He was also immortalized in animation on “The Harlem Globetrotters” cartoon series and on episodes of “Scooby Doo.”
“Curly Neal represents the purity of sport and everything that is great about the Globetrotters and the game of basketball,” said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. “He helped build this organization into a worldwide phenomenon, and we are proud to bestow this honor upon him. He truly personifies wholesome family entertainment and elicits fond memories for millions of fans around the world.”
Celebrating their 82nd consecutive year of touring the world, the Harlem Globetrotters have played in 118 countries on six continents, entertaining over 125 million fans and crossing barriers between cultures, societies and people from all walks of life. The organization is one of only six teams to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Click here to purchase tickets for the 2008 “Magic As Ever” World Tour. For information about group or scout tickets, contact the Globetrotters at 800-641-HOOP.
