Globetrotter Draft?

[pimpinthebox]

From this morning's Enquirer...

"Former University of Cincinnati men's basketball player Darnell Wilks was one of six players selected Tuesday by the Harlem Globetrotters in the team's 2011 draft.

Along with Wilks, the Globetrotters selected Andrew Goudelock (College of Charleston), Jordan McCabe (Beaver Lake Middle School), Paul Sturgess (Mountain State), Jacob Tucker (Illinois College) and international soccer star Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)."

(For you Norm fans) Wait, what? The Globetrotters hold an annual draft? Let's break down the six draftees (in no particular order):

Andrew Goudelock (College of Charleston) - This is the kid that straight lit up the Cryers in the NIT so consider me a huge fan. Isn't this kid a top 50 pick in tomorrow night's big boy draft? Guess he'll have something to fall back on if it doesn't work out.

Paul Sturgess (Mountain State) - The name didn't jump out to me so I googled it (http://www.laestrella.com.pa/mensual/2009/11/26/images/fotos/550x413/192708.jpg). Dude is a carnival act, apparently "with no discernable basketball skills whatsoever".

Jordan McCabe (Beaver Lake Middle School) - Googled this one as well, "12-year old basketball prodigy and phenom". Whatever. Yawn.

Jacob Tucker (Illinois College) - College slam dunk champ that was like 5'10". This one makes the most sense.

International soccer star Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) - Really? If he shoots a basketball as well as John Wall throws a baseball, we're all in for a real treat.

Darnell Wilks (UC) - Congrats, Darnell. I guess. (I hate UC.)

One final note: I'm told the Washington Generals hold an annual draft as well and that the Dayton Flyers squad has received serious consideration. (rim shot)

[xubrew]

As I understand it, the draft is as fixed as the games.

I know they always make one outrageous draft selection, such as Messi, or Tim Howard, or I think Bill Cosby. They may appear in one game...maybe.

The Globetrotters actually make decent money (lower six figures), but the players burn out really quickly. It's the same show over and over and over with very few nights off. So, the players wear themselves out without actually playing in competitive games. Pllus they're required to make appearances and do community service in virtually every town they visit. There are also strict rules against things like drinking, and what they can do off the court.

They do have some players though. I bet they could take most college teams if they were to play in an actual game. Up until recently, before teams had to schedule their exhibition games against other college teams from the lower divisions, several schools did play the globetrotters, and ended up losing. Granted, those are early season games in November and not late in the year, but still. They're not half bad.

The book Spinning the Globe is interesting. It chronicles the history of the Globetrotters. I didn't realize that they actually used to be a seriously competitive team, nor did I realize that they never had anything to do with Harlem or New York. I knew a guy who played with them for a bit and got me that book. When I finally got around to picking it up, I was pleasantly surprised. It's a good book for anyone who likes basketball, even if you don't care about the Harlem Globetrotters.

[GoMuskies]

I only follow Flight Time and Big Easy. And that's only when they're on the Amazing Race.

[94GRAD]

From this morning's Enquirer...

One final note: I'm told the Washington Generals hold an annual draft as well and that the Dayton Flyers squad has received serious consideration. (rim shot)

Don't you mean rim job?

[pimpinthebox]

Don't you mean rim job?

Yes, that's what I'm after on this board. A rim job.

Thanks for all the info, brew. It was a rhetorical question, but I ended up learning something new.

[Masterofreality]

What? The fake Chris Wright didn't want any part of that?

After all, they never call walking on the Globtrotters. Right down Wright's alley.

[Titanxman04]

What? The fake Chris Wright didn't want any part of that?

After all, they never call walking on the Globtrotters. Right down Wright's alley.

So long as that alley is down the right side of the lane. Lord knows that Wright couldn't cut it if they asked him to use his left.