The Harlem Globetrotters brought energy, passion and enthusiasm back to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in their first appearance at the arena since 2017.
The exhibition team, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this season, left Saturday’s game victorious thanks to an amped Uniondale crowd. This was the driving force late in the fourth quarter, when a mid-range shot sealed the win.
Family friendly antics are, as always, the backdrop of the Globetrotters’ brand of basketball. Formed in 1926, the group emphasizes the crafty skill sets that each member brings to the court. This is in addition to highlighting the work ethic of Black players and, later, the inclusion of female athletes.
The team is partially responsible for breaking the NBA’s color barrier, which kept Black players from playing professionally until theKnicks signedNat Clifton in 1950. Clifton, who was nicknamed “Sweetwater,” was once a Globetrotter, as was basketball icon Wilt Chamberlain.
The success of their brand earned the Globetrottersa spotin the 2002 class of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Cheese Chisholm spoke to Long Island Press about what it means to be one of their longest tenured members during this historic tour.
“It is really important to us because of all the older players that came before us and what we are trying to do now,” he said during a pregame event for fans. “The Globetrotetters have so much rich history from the slam dunk alley-oop, getting through segregation, and being one of the first organizations to allow African Americans to play the game of basketball.”
The team doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon because they want to showcase their high-energy brand of basketball that made them into this iconic group.
“Now in 2026 I’m really honored to be a part of this organization and we have another 100 more years to go,” he continued.
Two older fans, who attended the game with their families, talked about what the Globetrotters have done for sports on Long Island.
Source: LI Press
