AJ Merriweather returned to Johnson City Jan. 8 with the Harlem Globetrotters to perform their “Pushing the Limits” world tour at Freedom Hall Civic Center. ETSU alumni Merriweather and the Globetrotters gave the local crowd five quarters filled with world class skill, record breaking tricks and multiple opportunities for audience involvement.

(Photographs by Benjamin Gilliam/East Tennessean)

“I’m a Globetrotter now, but I’ll always be a Buccaneer,” said Merriweather. “Both two winning programs. How can life be any better?”

Pre-game events started the night with dance performances from local dance companies and audience-involved competition to win signature Harlem Globetrotter merchandise. Audience members of all ages joined in the fun as younger volunteers participated in challenges like a slam dunk contest and lay-up races, while adults took on bigger challenges including the chance to win a $100 prize.

As the Globetrotters prepared for their performance to begin, the famous roster was announced including big names like ETSU’s own AJ “Money” Merriweather, Big Easy Lofton, Lights Out Lee, Torch George, Too Tall, Thunder Law, Handles Franklin, Spider Sharpless, Jack Rivers and Crush Mitchell.

Lofton started the performance showing off some of his skills before passing the ball off to his teammates to continue the chain of gravity defying tricks. The Globetrotters had all eyes on them until an appearance from the Washington Generals, a team created by the Harlem Globetrotters founders to compete against the world class team, made an appearance and brought some rivalry into the mix of the night’s performance.

As Globetrotters continued to keep audiences amazed, they took time to mention their partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital “The Globetrotters Fund,” which helps to raise awareness about children’s mental health.  

As the night’s events continued, signature trick shots like the 4-point shot, the even bigger 35-foot shot and slam dunks were made by ETSU alumni Merriweather and many more of the Globetrotters. Torch George, being the only female Globetrotters to hold a world record, showed off her skills and tricks being the only female Globetrotter in the night’s performance.

After the four quarters of play, the Globetrotters left their fifth quarter event to spending time with the audience and allowing people to come take a photo and get an autograph from their favorite player.

The Harlem Globetrotters’ “Pushing the Limits” world tour will continue until their last performance in October in Monterrey, Mexico. For more information on the Harlem Globetrotters and their “Pushing the Limits” world tour, visit harlemglobetrotters.com or download the official Harlem Globetrotters app.