THE BALLOON MAN

Sunday, March 11, 2012

KYLE FRANKO: Refereeing the Globetrotters is tougher than it looks
By KYLE FRANKO
from: trentonian.com
March 10, 2012
TRENTON, NJ--

Yes, I should go back to Foot Locker.

At least that’s what Hi-Lite of the Harlem Globetrotters told me after I finished my short stint as a special guest referee during the first of their two games Saturday at the Sun National Bank Center.

Let me say, Hi-Lite’s right: I’m no good as a referee.

It’s a tough job officiating the Harlem Globetrotters. Hi-Lite spent most of his time picking on the slightly-robust lead official. Then again, that’s all part of the show.

When the Harlem Globetrotters roll into town, people show up. They are two-hour comedy routine of high-flying dunks, dancing, signing and all-around shenanigans.

The Trotters are on their 86th consecutive World Tour. The U.S. portion lasts until mid-April before they head abroad.

They play for the “World Championship,” against whomever their hapless opponent is on that particular day. Saturday it was General Select. Predictably, the Globetrotters won — I think the final score was 110-107 — with their array of alley-oop slams and 4-point shots.

By the way, how cool is the 4-point shot — a 35-foot heave the Trotters seem to be adept at swishing? Firefly Fisher, who played his college ball at Siena, made five in a row.

Read that again: five in a row from 35-feet. Simply amazing.