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Harlem Globetrotters Bring Remarkable Rookie Class to Orleans Arena Feb. 15

On the heels of signing one of the most extraordinary rookie classes in team history, the Harlem Globetrotters will bring their 2012 World Tour to the Orleans Arena on Wednesday, February 15 at 7 p.m (Pictured above: Harlem Globetrotters guard Handles Franklin). 

The outstanding rookies include Paul “Tin” Sturgess, the world’s tallest pro basketball player at 7 feet, 8 inches; Jonte “Too Tall” Hall, the shortest Globetrotter ever at 5 feet, 2 inches; and Fatima “TNT” Maddox of Temple University, the team’s first female player in nearly 20 years.

The new Globetrotters also feature the top three finishers from the 2011 College Slam Dunk Contest, including reigning champ Jacob “Hops” Tucker – who at 5 feet 10 inches, sports a 50-inch vertical leap. Tucker joins slam-dunk runner-up John “Jet” Williams of UNC-Asheville and semifinalist Darnell “Spider” Wilks of the University of Cincinnati.

The 2012 rookie class has a total of three seven-footers – Sturgess, the tallest Globetrotter ever; 7-foot-4-inch Jermaine “Stretch” Middleton, the third-tallest player in team history; and 7-foot Anthony “Biggie” McClain.

“The Globetrotters are excited to welcome a new generation of stars to carry on the storied tradition of the world’s most entertaining basketball team,” said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. “This year’s rookie class features some of the most talented and promising players from across the world.”

Current Globetrotters stars Special K Daley, Big Easy Lofton, Flight Time Lang, Dizzy Grant, Scooter Christensen and many others will team up with the world-class rookies for nearly 270 games on the North American portion of the World Tour.

Sponsored by Howard Johnson Hotels, Greyhound Lines, Spalding and Russell Athletic, the Original Harlem Globetrotters will celebrate their 86th consecutive year in 2012, continuing a world famous tradition of ball-handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages.

Throughout their history, the Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 120 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans—among them popes, kings, queens and presidents—over more than eight thrilling decades.

Player rosters in each city will vary and are subject to change.

Tickets are available starting at $22. A VIP Package is available for $144 and includes one ticket, access to photo and autograph session with the Globetrotters at halftime. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Orleans Arena Box Office at 702.284.7777 or by visiting www.orleansarena.com.