Harlem Globetrotters To Honor Three Former Greats As "Globetrotters Legends" At Upcoming 2019 Tour Stops

ATLANTA, Jan. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The world famous Harlem Globetrotters announced today that the team will honor three former greats as Globetrotter Legends, the team's highest honor short of jersey retirement, at upcoming stops on their 2019 Fan Powered North American Tour.

The three stars—Michael "Wild Thing" Wilson, Matt "Showbiz" Jackson, and Osborne "Goose" Lockhart—played a combined 48 seasons and collectively visited nearly 200 countries during their time as Globetrotters, and each left their mark as outstanding players and Ambassadors of Goodwill during their time with the team.

Wilson, Jackson and Lockhart will each be presented with a prestigious Globetrotters Legend ring at upcoming stops on the tour. Wilson will be honored at the team's show in Memphis on Jan. 18, while Jackson will be honored at the team's show in Atlanta on Jan. 20, and Lockhart at the team's show in Minneapolis on March 30.

Created by the Globetrotters organization in 1993, the "Legends" ring is presented to retired Globetrotters who have made a major contribution to the success and development of the Hall of Fame organization. Each honoree exemplifies the Harlem Globetrotters' humanitarian contributions. 

Wilson, Jackson and Lockhart will bring the total number of all-time Globetrotter Legend ring recipients to just 32.

"Being a Globetrotter carries responsibilities that go far beyond basketball," said Globetrotters President Howard Smith. "Our stars have not only introduced the sport of basketball to thousands of children around the world, but they bring goodwill to every country, and every culture, they visit.

"Wild Thing, Showbiz and Goose have each truly earned the distinction to be called Globetrotter Legends, and we look forward to honoring them as part of this tour."

Following are the bios for each of the newly-named Globetrotter Legends:

Osborne "Goose" Lockhart was a superior ball handler and shooter during his 17-year career with the Harlem Globetrotters. In addition to being a stellar player for the Globetrotters, he also served two seasons as a coach for the team.  Lockhart was selected in the sixth round of the 1978 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers after a standout career at the University of Minnesota, where he was a three-year starter who scored more than 1,100 points during his college career and was team captain for the Gophers during his senior campaign.  A native of Nassau, Bahamas, Lockhart was also an outstanding soccer player, and at the age of 15 played for the Bahamas National Team in the 1971 Pan American games.  He was a high school and college teammate of Mychal Thompson, the father of current Golden State Warrior All-Star Klay Thompson.  Lockhart was inducted into the Bahamas Hall of Fame in 2013 and currently resides in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., where he serves as a coach and mentor at the Harmony Development Center.

Matthew "Showbiz" Jackson toured for 20 seasons with the Globetrotters, serving as one of the team's top showmen.  He visited more than 75 countries during his standout career, appearing in several ESPN broadcasts and television commercials for the team.  Jackson was known for his unbelievable behind-the-back half-court shot that he sank with remarkable accuracy.  He did not play college basketball, but excelled on the gridiron as a standout wide receiver and tight end at Savannah State, where he earned all-league honors.  A native of Savannah, Ga., Jackson attended Alfred Ely Beach High School, where he was a two-sport star in basketball and football.  He currently resides in Buford, Ga., with his wife and is working on writing his second book.

Michael "Wild Thing" Wilson is the current Guinness World Record holder for the highest slam dunk ever recorded, setting the mark at 12-feet during Final Four Weekend in April of 2000.  An exhibit at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is dedicated to his soaring accomplishment.  The Memphis native played 11 seasons with the Globetrotters, thrilling thousands of fans with his amazing slam dunks. Wilson traveled to nearly 60 countries during his standout Globetrotter career and was a two-time slam dunk champion at the NABC College All-Star Game. The 6-5 forward starred at the University of Memphis, playing in the 1995 and 1996 NCAA Tournaments. Currently, Wilson lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife and three children, where he works as Recreation Specialist for D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation.  

The Globetrotters are currently in the midst of their 93^rd year of touring with the Fan Powered World Tour, during which the team will play in more than 250 North American markets, as well as 30 countries worldwide. Tickets are now available at harlemglobetrotters.com.

The Harlem Globetrotters® are legendary worldwide, synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment and great basketball skills for the past 92 years. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 123 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans – among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents – over nine thrilling decades. Sponsored by Tum-e Yummies and Baden Sports, Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, visit the Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com and follow them on Twitter @Globies.

SOURCE Harlem Globetrotters