Antics on the court with the Harlem Globetrotters: Rivers says he's amped for return to Long Island

International icons, the Globetrotters are considered “ambassadors” of the game, beloved the world over for their special brand of family entertainment that combines the skills and foundations of basketball with a uniquely theatrical flare.

As basketball pioneers, they are credited with popularizing such well-known techniques as the slam dunk, the task break, the forward and point guard positions, the figure-eight weave, and four-point shooting line.

Those who’ve seen their favorite NBA or collegiate players do a jump shot or a half-court hook shot — you’ve witnessed the creative moves made famous by the Globetrotters.

Throughout the team’s nearly 100-year history, the Globetrotters have entertained

more than 148 million fans across 124 countries and territories — introducing many to the game itself — and have continued to break down barriers, provide acts of goodwill and display a commitment to the game that goes far beyond the court.

Latif “Jet” Rivers remembers watching the Harlem Globetrotters and their signature tricks when he was a kid.

“Now, I get to go out on the court and return the favor for kids,” Rivers says, “and help them create memories that they’ll never forget.”

The 6-foot-1 guard from Elizabeth, New Jersey, went on to be a star at Wagner College, where he is still the career leader with the most wins over a four-year span.

His signature moves include dribbling, and a “four-point shot” that he throws underhand, granny style, from the free throw line at the other end of the court.

“I shoot it pretty consistently,” River says.“The crowd goes wild for it. I love electrifying the crowd.”

While every stop on the tour is different, all have one thing in common — making sure to “interact with the fans and put on a good show that will leave them with fun and lasting memories.”

“Every one (of our games) is special. You never know if it could be the first time somebody is seeing us play,” he says. “But this is particularly special because it’s taking place on New Year’s Day.”

Rivers promises the team’s exhibition match against longtime rivals, the Washington Generals, will be a special experience for families to come together and celebrate.

And those Generals are ready to take the Globetrotters on. The Washington Generals have united with a new optimism — dreaming the impossible dream — as they strive for their first win since 1971.

With an all-new mindset, this revitalized Generals team will do whatever it takes to win. But can they beat the world’s winningest team with a determined attempt to outscore the Harlem Globetrotters? 

The Washington Generals have been training harder than ever, according to their staff, and will stop at nothing to win in this high-stakes battle of basketball. Will New Year’s Day will be the day the Generals finally take home a win?

Come see for yourself.

“We’re the best at what we do,” Rivers says. “We bring it every night. We are here to have a good time, bring out some good energy and have some laughs.”

As a bonus, Spalding, the Globetrotters’ new official ball partner, will join the team at every destination, enhancing the game experience. Fans will have the opportunity to take home an official Harlem Globetrotters basketball or the newly designed Harlem Globetrotters Marble Series ball on game day.

Check out the action as Rivers and other fan favorites — including forward Zeus McClurkin and guard Cheese Chisholm — dribble, spin and dunk their way up and down the court.