Treat your family to a sporting event like no other. This Wednesday, January 21, the Harlem Globetrotters present one of their sporting spectacles at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum at Sam Houston State University. The basketball whizzes face a huge challenge at this month’s game against the Washington Generals, the last team to beat the Globetrotters. A player from that 1971 game is now coaching the Generals. Win or lose, the Globetrotters will stay for autographs following the game, time permitting. Tickets range in price from $29.10 to $154.07 for courtside seats.

America’s Quirkiest Basketball Team

The Globetrotters started way back in 1926 when Abe Saperstein founded the Savoy Big Five. The original team played exhibition games before dances at the Savoy Ballroom in Chicago. The team played its first game on January 7, 1927. Although the team split in 1928, several of the members got back together and toured Illinois in that year. The following year, the tour extended to Iowa. Although the team was still based out of Chicago, they changed their name to the New York Harlem Globe Trotters. They felt that this name celebrated African American culture, and the suggestion of being an out of town team improved marketability. The team didn’t actually play in Harlem until 1968.

When the NBA became integrated in the 1950’s, the Globetrotters were eclipsed by other professional teams. To distinguish themselves, they developed comedy routines, incorporating them into their games. Today, the team is known for their theatricality, juggling skills, and near-gymnastic shots. Although their playing methods may be unusual, the team is nearly undefeatable, losing only five games since the 1940’s. This month’s Huntsville game promises to be exciting, as the Globetrotters face off against one of their biggest rivals in their almost 90-year history.

A Reminder from Your Houston-Area Dentist

If your passion for sports lies in playing games, rather than watching them, we’d like to provide a friendly reminder about the importance of sports mouthguards. According to the American Dental Academy®, players who do not wear a protective device are twice as likely to sustain a dental injury. These injuries could include broken teeth, knocked out teeth, or damage to the lips. Although mouthguards are most important in high contact sports, such as football or rugby, basketball players, skaters, and other athletes can also benefit greatly from the devices.

About Your Conroe General Dentist:

The Dental Centre of Conroe, John M Richards DDS delivers distinctive cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry for residents of Conroe, Houston, The Woodlands, Willis, Huntsville, and the neighboring communities. For more information about our services, or to schedule an appointment, contact us by calling (936) 441-4600.