Harlem Globetrotters still pleasing crowds, unveiling new stunts

Throughout their 85-year history, the Harlem Globetrotters have brought all sorts of innovations to the game of basketball.

The piggyback layup. The rubber band foul shot. And, of course, the ever-popular courtside pail o' confetti douse.

Now, add to this roster of innovations -- cue the drum roll, or at least the first few notes of "Sweet Georgia Brown" -- the four-point shot, which Southern Nevadans can see for themselves Wednesday when the Globetrotters come to the Orleans Arena.

The Globetrotters' current national tour marks guard Erving "Rocket" Rivers' fourth season on the fabled exhibition basketball team's roster. Calling last week from Eugene, Ore., Rivers -- who has already sunk a four-pointer or two himself -- noted that the four-pointer continues the Globetrotters' tradition of innovation.

The Globetrotters helped to bring to the game such now-routine moves as the behind-the-back pass, the slam dunk and the alley-oop, he noted.

Now comes the four-pointer, which may be attempted from two spots on each side of midcourt and 35 feet from the baskets, or 12 feet beyond the NBA's three-point line. The four-pointer can be made only during the last three minutes of each quarter.

"The crowd goes crazy when we knock it down," Rivers said.

The South Carolina-born Rivers was a college (Francis Marion University) standout who played for a short time in the American Basketball Association before being invited to try out for the Globetrotters.

After a two-day tryout, he was signed to the team. Then, with his basketball skills already solid, Rivers worked to develop the showmanship that is a hallmark of the Globetrotters.

"When they brought me out, they asked me, what do I do? I said, 'Score points,' " Rivers said.

"But the tricks and all that stuff comes with practice and watching veterans and putting work into your craft."

"It's been four years and I'm still learning," Rivers added, admitting, too, that a few hotel room lamps have suffered for the sake of his art.

Rivers said it wasn't until about midway through his rookie year that he became adept at balancing the competitive and entertainment imperatives of a Globetrotters game.

"It's a fine mix. We go out there to play, and that part of the game is supercompetitive," he said. "But, at the same time, you have to understand it's a wholesome family show. So, yeah, we give people (the comedic bits) people have expected from the Globetrotters for 85 years."

At times, Rivers said, "you might be in competitive mode, and you have to hit the switch and go into entertainment mode. My rookie year was a learning year."

But, ever since then, "I've enjoyed it," Rivers said. "I love putting smiles on the faces of people all over the world."

Contact reporter John Przybys at jprzybys@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0280.