Biography:Handles Franklin had many positive role models growing up, first and foremost his parents. His father was a police officer, and his mother worked at a hospital. "They both served the community and passed that mentality on to me." He also credits his high school coach, Bill Gaffey, for setting him on the right path. "He taught me that education was very important. He wouldn't let me play when my grades were poor, and that lesson changed my thought process."
Handles studied hard and went on to Lock Haven University (Pa.), where he used his keen ball handling ability to become the school's second all-time assist leader, along with ranking in the top 10 in the nation in assists and steals twice.
Watching the Globetrotters' cartoon in the 1970s when he was growing up was how Handles was introduced to the game, and he is humbled that he has the chance to be a part of such an iconic organization.
"It's like a dream come true. I feel blessed and happy to be here. I've been driven to be a Trotter, studying all of the famous dribblers, from Marques Haynes, to Curly Neal, to Curly Boo Johnson and the great showmen like Showtime Gaffney, Showbiz Jackson, Goose Tatum, Geese Ausbie, Twiggy Sanders and Sweet Lou Dunbar."
Handles does many amazing things with the ball, but his favorite move is dribbling the ball while lying on the floor and spinning his body. "I try to come up with something unique whenever I can," says Handles.
Check out Handles when the Globetrotters play in your city to see what he comes up with next.
