Harlem Globetrotters to Retire Curly Neal's Jersey
Basketball legend Curly Neal is going to have his number 22 retired by the Harlem Globetrotters at the Madison Square Garden. This event will take place as part of the Globetrotters' current "Magic As Ever" World Tour, during the team's performance in New York on Feb. 15 at 7:00 p.m. Curly will be the fifth Globetrotter to have his jersey number retired, joining Wilt Chamberlain (13), Meadowlark Lemon (36), Marques Haynes (20) and Goose Tatum (50).
One of the truly magical dribblers and shooters ever to pick up a ball, Curly captured the imagination of fans worldwide, playing in more than 6,000 games in 97 countries with the Globetrotters. Number 22 played for 22 seasons in the red, white and blue, from 1963 to 1985. Curly Neal is still sporting his trademark shaved head, wide smile and infectious laugh.
Curly was part of one of the most extraordinary eras in the team's history, appearing on several popular television programs and specials, including ABC's Wide World of Sports, The Harlem Globetrotters Popcorn Machine and The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island. He was also immortalized in animation on The Harlem Globetrotters cartoon series and on episodes of Scooby Doo.
"Curly Neal represents the purity of sport and everything that is great about the Globetrotters and the game of basketball," said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. "He helped build this organization into a worldwide phenomenon, and we are proud to bestow this honor upon him. He truly personifies wholesome family entertainment and elicits fond memories for millions of fans around the world."
Basketball legend Curly Neal is going to have his number 22 retired by the 