Brought to You by the Harlem Globetrotters
By Kim Dunbar

Globetrotter Anthony “Buckets” Blakes believes he has the greatest job in the word. He travels the globe making people smile and no matter where he goes, he’s always a member of the home team.
“We’re accepted with open arms and I love that,” said Blakes.

Coming off their most successful season of ticket sales in the organization’s 83 year history, Blakes and the Harlem Globetrotters are geared up to offer a truly fan-tastic experience for millions of more fans during their 2010 “Magical Memories” tour which stops at the DCU Center on February 28th. The team has had a busy year not only on the court, but off it as well, finding their way into the public’s hearts and eyes through television.

“It’s been amazing getting back into pop culture,” said Blakes, whose teammates have made appearances on several reality shows including The Bachelorette, Jon & Kate Plus 8, Hell’s Kitchen and ~ most notably ~ The Amazing Race. “People are getting a taste of what the guys are really about. They don’t just see how we can play, they see how we work together and interact and make people smile without the basketball,” he added. They also played as part of the 2009 NBA All-Star game, where Blakes showed Orlando Magic star Dwight Howard a few tricks.

Given the choice, Blakes would love the opportunity to partner up with a teammate on The Amazing Race like “Flight Time” Lang and “Big Easy” Lofton did last season. “I would love to be on that show and be put in those pressure situations,” he said. Blakes added that any two Globetrotters could have competed on that show, and it’s no wonder since their fitness regimens keep them up to the challenge.

In order to keep up with 270 shows on the American tour and an extensive world tour, Blakes and his teammates must complete a grueling two-week training camp before the season begins and two-hour practices on game days. Half the practices are spent on the entertainment aspect of the game, but Blakes has fun 100% of the time. “We all have fun at practice. We challenge each other to get better,” he said. Blakes said the Globetrotters also conduct makeshift workouts in their hotel rooms on the road, working on abs, stretching and investing in contraptions like the Perfect Push-Up or curling one of their many luggage bags.

Blakes said fans can expect to see “magic in itself” this year. “This is one of those entities where the whole family is on the same page. 70-year-old grandparents and their 17-year-old grandchild can have fun together at a Globetrotters game ~ where else can you do that for two hours?” said Blakes. “We are all kids for two hours. That’s what the Magical Memories tour is about.”

Blakes said the tour and the team are not just about basketball, they’re about bringing families together. “Whatever it takes, we are going to make sure you have a wonderful time together,” he said. “We look forward to making some magical memories with you.”

For more info or to purchase tickets, visit www.harlemglobetrotters.com
or www.dcucenter.com.