2026 marks a “once-in-a-century” event as the Harlem Globetrotters go on their 100 Year World Tour, stopping at Patrick Gym on Apr. 21 at 7 p.m. to entertain Vermont fans.
Known as the magicians of basketball, the Harlem Globetrotters came together in 1926 when Abe Saperstein founded the original team, and played their first game on Jan. 7, 1927, in Hinckley, Illinois.
The team is known for its exhibition basketball games featuring tricks, entertainment and comedy. As of 2026, they have amassed more than 148 million fans in 123 countries and territories, playing over 400 games a year.
During the last century, they have broken countless barriers. Harlem Globetrotters player Nathaniel “Sweetwater” Clifton was the first African-American player to sign an NBA contract, joining the New York Knicks in 1950. Women were also given a chance to play on the team before the WNBA was created.
“You’ve always heard about the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters, and the basketball community is just like, ‘man, they’re the greatest team in the world,’” said Prince “Baller” Moss, one of the youngest players on the roster.
At Grambling State University, Moss was named a 2022 Historically Black Colleges and Universities all-star as a two-sport Division I athlete and completed his college basketball career the same year.
After basketball, the track and field coach recruited Moss for high jump.
“[I] broke a [high jump] record at the University of Little Rock, Arkansas, and made my way to NCAA regionals and got a random phone call from the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters to show off my amazing basketball skills … I’m blessed to be a part of the amazing team now,” Moss said.
He has been a member of the Harlem Globetrotters since 2023 and is known for being a dedicated and hardworking player.
“Being the youngest on the team… It’s very surreal because you learn something new every single day,” Moss said. “[The team] definitely [has] one-of-a-kind human beings. It’s just a lot of talent in one room… We’re all one family here. We love each other.”
The Globetrotters popularized many famous basketball skills, moves and roles, including the slam dunk, fast break, forward and point guard positions, and the figure-eight weave.
“Most definitely one of the greatest legacies to ever be a part of basketball… It’ll just be an amazing show that you probably have never seen before,” Moss said.
The Globetrotters’ commitment to fans does not stop when the lights go off, and the shoes are untied. The team reaches a multitude of communities around the world.
In Aug. 2023, the Globetrotters created the Goodwill Ambassadors Initiative. The program aims to partner with both nonprofit and for-profit organizations to drive change and impact in three strategic areas: health and wellness, education and community empowerment.
“We like to interact with [the fans] on a more personal level than just as a fan coming to see the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters. We actually want to meet our fans,” Moss said.
As the Globetrotters continue to prepare to step into Patrick Gym and stun the crowd with their athleticism, showmanship and overall community impact, Moss shared his excitement for the game.
“Come see an amazing show, high-flying slam dunks, Guinness world record breakers, amazing trick shots and some crazy dribble moves,” Moss said.
