The Globetrotters are poised to bring post-holiday fun to PPG Paints Arena
Courtesy of the Harlem Globetrotters
The Harlem Globetrotters-set to celebrate their centennial season in 2026-will bring high-energy post-holiday family fun to the PPG Paints Arena on Friday, Dec. 26.
For generations, the Globetrotters have wowed audiences with their unique blend of athleticism, comedy and showmanship. Older fans may remember stars like Meadowlark Lemon and Curly Neal, while younger audiences cheer for more recent Globetrotters like Jet Rivers and Hot Shot Swanson.
Much has evolved over the years since the team, formed in 1926, was known as the Savoy Big Five, after Chicago’s historic Savoy Ballroom in Chicago. The following year, owner Abe Saperstein rebranded the team the Harlem Globetrotters before their first away game in Hinckley, Ill. The Harlem moniker wasn’t geographical, but cultural. Players weren’t from Harlem, but Harlem was seen as the center of Black culture.
These days the roster is larger and more diverse, featuring seven female players and multiple touring teams that play concurrently across the country. What hasn’t changed is the heart of the Globetrotters experience-delighting fans of all ages with plenty of laughs, inspiration and good wholesome fun.
Becoming “Jet”
Latif “Jet” Rivers, known for his dynamic dunks and on-court skills, is team leader for the Globetrotters. The New Jersey resident’s basketball journey began at the age of 5.
“My family is a sports family and my cousins played Division I basketball and football, so I grew up with the sport,” said Rivers.
Rivers was in the right place at the right time when it came to his Globetrotters career. He recalls preparing to play basketball overseas and honing his skills in New York City’s Dyckman Park when James Ryan, former general manager and coach of the Globetrotters, took notice. Ryan invited him to tryouts and Rivers’ career took off from there.
Rivers explains his on-court name. “Jets are fast, luxurious and smooth like my moves,” he said. One move Rivers is particularly proud of is his 3/4 granny shot, essentially a long-distance underhand throw.
“I picked it up over five years ago after telling my coach I wanted to shoot it in the game. It’s one of the most efficient long-range, trick-shot techniques,” he said.
Inspiring children
Rivers is a vocal leader who speaks out on social issues. His children’s book, “My Life and Where I’m From,” focuses on identity, pride and belonging. He enjoys reading to younger children and speaking in schools about the value of education. Rivers also addresses young audiences on bullying prevention.
For Brennon Hightower, blogger at the Just Brennon Blog, seeing the Globetrotters has been a family tradition.
“This year was our sixth time seeing them,” he said. Hightower reports that his family especially enjoyed Pawel Kidon, who is known as Dazzle from Poland, who flawlessly spun two basketballs simultaneously.
“It was truly an awe-inspiring display of skill,” Hightower said. Another highlight was the comedic dancing of Jahmani Swanson, who goes by the name Hot Shot Swanson. “The lighthearted element made the event all the more memorable,” he added.
Hightower also appreciates how accessible the players are, signing autographs after games.
“Each Globetrotters game features some of the best athletes on the planet, unmatched fan interaction, incredible ball-handling wizards, rim-rattling dunks and side-splitting comedy,” he said.
For Rivers, the journey is extraordinary.
“Each game is a flow. Every day is different and you never know what’s going to happen,” he said. “Very few things last 100 years-that alone spells excellence, and I’m proud to be a part of it,” he said.
Showtimes are 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. For information, go online to harlemglobetrotters.com.