What number did Curly Neal wear?

Answer 1

22

Number 22 to Be Honored During Special Ceremony at New York's Madison Square Garden During Globetrotters' February 15 Show

PHOENIX--(Business Wire)--Still sporting the trademark shaved head, wide smile and

infectious laugh that made him a pop culture icon for decades,

Basketball legend Curly Neal will have his number 22 retired by the

world renowned Harlem Globetrotters at the world's most famous arena,

Madison Square Garden. This historic event will take place as part of

the Globetrotters' current "Magic As Ever" World Tour, during the

team's performance in New York on Feb. 15 at 7:00 p.m.

Curly will be just the fifth Globetrotter in the team's

illustrious 82-year history to have his jersey number retired, joining

some of the biggest names in basketball lore: Wilt Chamberlain (13),

Meadowlark Lemon (36), Marques Haynes (20) and Goose Tatum (50).

One of the truly magical dribblers and shooters ever to pick up a

ball, Curly captured the imagination of fans worldwide, playing in

more than 6,000 games in 97 countries with the Globetrotters. Number

22 played for 22 seasons in the red, white and blue, from 1963 to

1985.

Curly was part of one of the most extraordinary eras in the team's

history, appearing on several popular television programs and

specials, including "ABC's Wide World of Sports," "The Harlem

Globetrotters Popcorn Machine," and "The Harlem Globetrotters on

Gilligan's Island." He was also immortalized in animation on "The

Harlem Globetrotters" cartoon series and on episodes of "Scooby Doo."

"Curly Neal represents the purity of sport and everything that is

great about the Globetrotters and the game of basketball," said

Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. "He helped build this organization

into a worldwide phenomenon, and we are proud to bestow this honor

upon him. He truly personifies wholesome family entertainment and

elicits fond memories for millions of fans around the world."

This special "Curly Neal Weekend" also features games at

Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, N.J., on Saturday, Feb.

16 and Monday, Feb. 18, and at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y., on

Sunday, Feb. 17.

Sponsored by Campbell Soup Company, the Harlem Globetrotters are

celebrating their 82nd consecutive season of touring the world. The

Globetrotters have played in 118 countries on six continents,

entertaining over 125 million fans and crossing barriers between

cultures, societies and people from all walks of life. The

Globetrotters are one of only six teams to be inducted into the

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. For the latest news and

information about the Harlem Globetrotters, including the 2008 "Magic

As Ever" World Tour schedule, and to purchase team merchandise, visit

the team's official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.