MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The world famous Harlem Globetrotters competed for the basketball world championship against their rival team, Global Select, in a heated exhibition at the IronWorks Gym sports courts here Dec. 3.
“This is our eleventh annual holiday military tour, so it feels great to come out here and perform for our troops because they are superheroes,” said kenny (Blenda) Rodriguez, Harlem Globetrotter. “To us, it’s really no difference. We can play for one person or two people; it doesn’t really matter. At the end of the day, it’s all about making millions of smiles.”
Since 1926, the Globetrotters have been entertaining crowds around the world, recruiting the most elite basketball players and handlers worldwide.
The Globetrotters are slated to perform for service members throughout the Pacific region.
“For us to do these things as far as coming to play as Harlem Globetrotters and perform for the troops, it’s a great feeling,” said Anthony (Buckets) Blake, Harlem Globetrotter. “We get an opportunity to give back to them because they’ve gave so much for us in order for us to have the freedoms to even play, not only in the United States, but all over the world.”
Basketball fans, big and small, filled the sports courts to witness the Globetrotter’s flashy, entertaining basketball skills.
The Globetrotters played Global Select for four quarters of high-flying, slam-dunking action. The lead fluctuated between teams throughout the exhibition while the Globetrotters surprised the crowd with comedic penalties and nonstop, off-the-wall routines.
“I’ve never seen anything like this. I’ve heard about them but never had the opportunity to actually see them in person,” said David Skinner, event attendee. “It’s amazing, the fact that they took part of their time and came out of their way to play here for the Marine Corps and Navy.”
The event not only gave service members a chance to enjoy a U.S. classic performance, but also brought a piece of America to the service members away from their families for the holidays.
“Hopefully we’ve given them a piece of home, piece of the American pie in case they’re missing home,” said Blake. “Troops have a lot on their minds, and the Globetrotters come for two hours and get a chance to take something off their minds and just keep them laughing the whole time.”
Fans expressed their gratitude at the end of the performance while they waited around the court to meet and greet their favorite Globetrotter players.
“I thought it was a lot of fun. It was a good atmosphere and very interesting,” said Samuel Hess, 15, event attendee. “It’s really nice for them to come out, and everyone had a blast. It exceeded my expectations.”
The Globetrotters departed en route to their next destination to spread holiday cheer throughout the Pacific region, leaving a holiday message for their fans:
“Believe in your dreams, because you can achieve anything you want. If you just stay positive, stay away from all the negativity and just believe in yourself, great things will happen for you,” said Blenda.