Fred Neal, the basketball legend and actor better known by his nickname “Curly,” whose entertaining and highly skilled playing made him a star over 22 seasons with the Harlem Globetrotters, died Thursday from undisclosed causes. He was 77
“We have lost one of the most genuine human beings the world has ever known,” Globetrotters General Manager Jeff Munn said in a statement. “Curly’s basketball skill was unrivaled by most, and his warm heart and huge smile brought joy to families worldwide.”
Born in 1942 in Greensboro, North Carolina, Neal played basketball for Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. After college, he was recruited by the Globetrotters.
Also Read: Mark Blum Remembered by Co-Stars Madonna, Rosanna Arquette: 'A Remarkable Human'
As an early showcase for black players when the NBA was segregated, and then as a proving ground for players who would become some of the greatest NBA stars in history,...
“We have lost one of the most genuine human beings the world has ever known,” Globetrotters General Manager Jeff Munn said in a statement. “Curly’s basketball skill was unrivaled by most, and his warm heart and huge smile brought joy to families worldwide.”
Born in 1942 in Greensboro, North Carolina, Neal played basketball for Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. After college, he was recruited by the Globetrotters.
Also Read: Mark Blum Remembered by Co-Stars Madonna, Rosanna Arquette: 'A Remarkable Human'
As an early showcase for black players when the NBA was segregated, and then as a proving ground for players who would become some of the greatest NBA stars in history,...
- 3/27/2020
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Fred “Curly” Neal, the longtime Harlem Globetrotters guard whose dazzling dribbling and penchant for half-court shots entertained several generations of basketball fans, has died. He passed on Thursday at his home near Houston at age 77, the Globetrotters announced. No cause was given.
Neal’s signature shaved head and basketball excellence made him one of the faces of the Globetrotters, a traveling exhibition team known for mixing comedy in with its superb skills. Neal, who gained the nickname “Curly” upon joining the team, was part of more than 6,000 games in his Globetrotters career spanning 1963-85.
The team’s antics spotlighted Neal’s immense talents, particularly on a set piece in which he would dribble around a hapless defender,...
Neal’s signature shaved head and basketball excellence made him one of the faces of the Globetrotters, a traveling exhibition team known for mixing comedy in with its superb skills. Neal, who gained the nickname “Curly” upon joining the team, was part of more than 6,000 games in his Globetrotters career spanning 1963-85.
The team’s antics spotlighted Neal’s immense talents, particularly on a set piece in which he would dribble around a hapless defender,...
- 3/27/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
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