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Neal Still Promoting Globetrotters

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By JOEY JOHNSTON

jjohnston@tampatrib.com

Published: February 27, 2009

TAMPA - They are not your father's Harlem Globetrotters. The game is the same - with long-range shots, fancy ball-handling, timeless gags and, of course, "Sweet Georgia Brown" - but the names have changed.

When the Globetrotters hit the St. Pete Times Forum tonight against long-time nemesis the Washington Generals, get ready for Big Easy, Flight Time, Hi Rise and Handles.

Whatever happened to Meadowlark and Curly?

"I'm still around," said Curly Neal, 66, one of the Globetrotters' legends who appeared Thursday at the Central City YMCA. "This new generation, they can handle the ball, but I wish they would score more, like we did. We've got to get their names known. Children want idols.

"I'm still one of the big names, and I haven't played in years."

Neal, who played in 97 countries from 1963 to 1985, is now a Globetrotters ambassador, traveling the nation to promote the new team, which has about 300 games annually. He's an alumnus of Greensboro (N.C.) High School - which produced athletes such as Charlie Sanders, Lou Hudson, Bob McAdoo and Brendan Haywood - but Neal might be the most recognizable.

Do the fans approach you every day?

Every day. "How you doing, Curly. When I was a kid, I saw you play." I hear that a lot. When I walk out the door, I'm on stage. But it gives me a chance to say thanks to everybody. When I played, we did a few autographs afterward, got back to the hotel. In the morning, we were gone to the next city.

You've traveled the world several times. Is there any place you haven't seen?

The moon. I don't believe I'll be going there.

Can you still play?

I don't run up and down the court any more. My wife won't allow that. But I can spin the ball and I can get the message out.

What's the Globetrotter message?

Happiness, fun, joy, positive attitude, respecting your parents and teachers, dreaming the dream, getting an education. Stuff kids need to hear.

Every NBA team has a lull, an off night. How do you gear it up as a Globetrotter?

The fans and your teammates. We played sick, with twisted ankles, busted kneecaps. Once you hit the floor, then you turn it on. You've got all those fans sitting out there. You can't let them down. Especially the kids.

Tons of athletes shave their heads bald these days. It has been your trademark. How did it start?

I was 12 years old. My mother didn't like it at all. I told her I fell asleep in the barber's chair, and I'll grow it back. I never did. If I grew it back, nobody would recognize me.

Who are your basketball heroes?

I have plenty. Bob Cousy, Elgin Baylor, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain from the old days. I like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Isiah Thomas. But really, I like all sports. I'm fascinated by a lot of teams. How about the Tampa Bay Rays? Are they going to do it again?

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: Harlem Globetrotters
WHERE: St. Pete Times Forum

WHEN: Tonight, 7

TICKETS: $23.75, $49.75 and $99.75. Available at the Forum box office or www.ticketmaster.com

Reporter Joey Johnston can be reached at (813) 259-7353.

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