Harlem Globetrotters Trivia Quiz

Answer: Chicago

The Globetrotters first appeared in the Chicago area in 1926-1927. Abe Saperstein, the Jewish business man who first organized the squad, chose the name Harlem because it was symbolic of African-American culture. It wasn't until 1968 that the Globetrotters would play their first "home game" in Harlem.

Answer: Sweet Georgia Brown

Originally a jazz standard written in 1925, the theme adopted by the Harlem Globetrotters was a whistling and bones version by Brother Bones and his Shadows. The Globetrotters first used it in 1952. The other three songs were top hits of the great Sam Cooke.

Answer: Twenty-two Thousand Wins

On that date, the Harlem Globetrotters were credited with win number 22,000. They have played on every continent except Antarctica, appearing in about 120 countries by the year 2009. Though they claim that all their games are real, they play most of them against hand picked opponents who have to concede about two dozen baskets a game for the show.

Answer: Wilt Chamberlain

Chamberlain joined the Harlem Globetrotters after his junior year of college.
He was part of their tour of the Soviet Union in 1959. Later, he often toured with the Globetrotters in the summer during his NBA career. His number, 13,
was retired by the Globetrotters. Abdul-Jabbar is an honorary member of the Globetrotters, and Mikan played against them in the 1940's as a member of the Minneapolis Lakers.

Answer: Bob Gibson

Gibson, a two sport star at Creighton University, led an All Star team to victory against the Globetrotters. He was offered a contract, and signed with them for the 1957 season. His first love was baseball, and he soon was a member of the St Louis Cardinals. Another Hall-of-Fame hurler, Fergie Jenkins also played briefly for the Globetrotters. The others listed did not.

Answer: World Basketball Classic

The Harlem Globetrotters won the 1940 World Basketball Classic, defeating the Chicago Bruins in the final. The tournament, sponsored by the Chicago Herald newspaper, was contested annually between 1939 and 1948. Other winners during its history included two original NBA teams, the Minneapolis Lakers and Ft. Wayne Pistons, as well as the New York Rens, another barnstorming African-American team.

Answer: Meadowlark Lemon

Meadowlark spent 24 years with the Harlem Globetrotters, and was arguably the best known Globetrotter ever. He performed in close to 10,000 games, being the orchestra leader of the show. Today, he has his own traveling team, and a foundation working with youths. His number, 36, was retired by the Globetrotters.
Geese and Goose were also prominent Globetrotters. Chuck Cooper was the first African-American drafted by the NBA, partially the result of the Globetrotters success in exhibitions with the Minneapolis Lakers.

Answer: Fred Neal

Curly Neal, had a shaved head, was a fantastic ball handler. His talent for dribbling and passing made him a fan favorite. Haynes preceded Neal as the Globetrotters top ball handler. Chaney would become a great coach for Temple University. Albert 'Runt' Pullins was an early Globetrotter star.

Answer: Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby is not an honorary member. He has, in fact, been under a lifetime contract with the Harlem Globetrotters since 1972, originally at the fee of $1.00 per year, and raised to $1.05 in 1986. Kissinger was named an honorary member in 1976, Hope in 1977, and Pope John Paul II in 2000.

Answer: Red, White and Blue

The Harlem Globetrotters sport the colors of their country of origin, the Red, White and Blue of the USA. They have been great ambassadors, taking these colors, and their unique style and wholesome fun to all corners of the globe.