On Thursday, Jan. 22, the Harlem Globetrotters will head to Ferris State University’s Jim Wink Arena as a part of their 100th anniversary tour.
The Harlem Globetrotters are a nationally recognized basketball team best known for blending their basketball skills with entertainment, comedy and theatrics. This marks the second time the team has made a stop at Wink Arena.
Their most famous moves include the magic circle warm-up, the 4-point shot, and their iconic trick shots.
The Harlem Globetrotters originally started out as a top-tier competitive basketball team that helped break racial barriers in the 40s and 50s.
Showcasing Black athletic excellence when segregated, integrating the NBA by beating white teams, and using entertainment to break down racial barriers.
The team was formed in 1926 when Black players created a league to prove Black athletes had the skillset to play basketball. They made their statement on the game by winning the World Professional Basketball Tournament in 1940.
In 1985, the Globetrotters signed the first woman to play for a legendary men’s team, Lynette Woodard. Woodard paved the way for a broader movement and recognition of women in basketball.
As students are returning to campus after a long winter break, some may be struggling to get back into the routine of things.
Business freshman Michael Johnson talked about how events like this can prove to be beneficial at the beginning of the semester.
“It’s the first week of classes, and a lot of students may still be getting used to college life. Having the globetrotters come to school may ease some of their minds.”
Johnson explains how inspiring it is to have a nationally known basketball team come to school.
He explains that with the stress of classes and responsibilities, the globetrotters encourage him to take a break and not be so serious all the time.
Business Senior Neal Clayton expressed a similar sentiment. One thing that surprised him was that they would be performing at Wink Arena.
“I think it’s really a cool opportunity for students and community members to even be able to see a team that doesn’t normally come somewhere like Ferris.”
Clayton said he immediately bought tickets when he found out they were coming to town and expressed excitement to be able to attend.
For some students, this isn’t just a typical visit; it takes them back to a moment of simpler times and childhood memories.
“I saw them when I was a kid, and just the nostalgia of it makes me reminisce on good times,” Clayton said.
Many students, like marketing senior Tyler Christie shared stories about how the Globetrotters provided these fond childhood memories and a sense of nostalgia.
“When I was little, I went to a game, and it was actually really cool. Seeing them made me want to play basketball more.”
Christie talked about how, as a kid, he really used to like basketball, and seeing them at a time when he didn’t play the sport as much helped inspire him to get on the court.
Students like Clayton leave a bit of advice for others who are unsure whether to attend the game or not.
“This might be the only opportunity to see them cause its like their 100th anniversary tour, and they might not be on tour much longer,” Clayton said.
He said it’s just a great opportunity because there aren’t a lot of teams that do what they do.
Other students like communications sophomore Caleb Render, say it’s okay to have fun but to remember that school should come first.
“I would say make sure you get your homework done,” Render said. “I mean, the Globetrotters would be fun to go see, but make sure your grades are good before you go.”
The game is set to begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22 and ticket packages can be purchased through the Ferris State Athletics website.