When Lewis “Sweet Lou” Dunbar first donned the blue star-studded Harlem Globetrotters jersey in 1977, the current head coach knew he would be joining a team that looked as good as he played. was No Look’s theatrics of spinning his pass or playing catch with the referee during the fast break captured the imagination, but his version of the American flag remix caught the eye by doing so. His NBA fashion DNA today is rooted in the Globetrotters who dared to do what no one else would.
On and off the court, their style was respected. Their jerseys have graced the runways of New York Fashion Week. Dunbar remembers teammate Dallas Thorton traveling from New York City to London to wear clothes from tailors he knew. Teams are not bound by convention. In October 2021, they changed the iconic jersey to his all-black version for the first time in his 95+ year history. Some of the new generation of globetrotters have already seen the team’s perception of style go from vintage to fashion-forward.
“Usually around Halloween you see people in Globetrotters uniforms. They dress up as the Harlem Globetrotters. Just go out to the field,” says Globetrotters guard Rock “Wham” Middleton. men’s health.
Read more about Men’s Health
This content is imported from youtube. You may be able to find the same content in a different format or find more information on the website.
Globetrotters join me back at my feet. #playitforward
watch over
These days, basketball’s silly ruler spreads more than fashion tips for those in need. They have demonstrated the goodwill they have brought across the country. In 2022, the Harlem Globetrotters will return to broadcast network television with the NBC series. Harlem Globetrotters: play it forwardan exclusive partnership with Hearst Media Production Group. Each week, the team showcased the half-court heaves and acrobatic dunks that made them a spectacle, as well as what they do in the community to make them heroes.
Coach Dunbar and rising star Middleton represent two different generations of Globetrotters, men’s health About how the team’s style influences have evolved over the years, how leotards play a role in that style’s history, and what has moved them since then. play it forward.
fireHow important was style to the Harlem Globetrotters?
Dunbar: Not only did they represent themselves, they represented the Harlem Globetrotters, so they always took pride in representing themselves. It was a feeling. It has changed with the times. One of his teammates came with us, but he is no longer with us. Rest in peace Billy Ray. [Hobley]. He once said: We set it (laughs).” That’s how we rolled.
Middleton: I feel that what the Globetrotters are trying to do is very important because it shows our individuality and further connects us with our audience and fans. that’s what i do. And it brings us together a little more.
Dunbar, you joined the Harlem Globetrotters in 1977.Think the hat trend is the Harlem Globetrotters set?
Dunbar: Send the trend with long socks. I think I first came here with long socks. I was wearing shorts back then. Back in the day, shorts had buckles in the front. no one else did it. When he joined the Globetrotters in 1977, his red and white shorts had a small buckle on the front.
Coach Dunbar’s Harlem Globetrotters red, white and blue jersey was their iconic look. What do you think about the change to black jerseys?
Dunbar: I thought I stumbled (laughs). I’m old school I have lived for over 40 years. Frankie Beverly and Maze made ‘Before I Let Go’ over 40 years before him and it’s still being played today. But you can’t tell people what to do with your stuff. You have to go with the flow. One time I changed my uniform and it was a dress. We had these one pieces and had to ask everyone.
Wham: Wait, were they all wearing costumes?
Dunbar: And I wore shorts over it.
Wham: Were they all wearing leotards (laughs)?
Dunbar: This is the owner of Globetrotters [Metromedia] Also owned Ice Capades. So, the costumes were made by the people of Ice Capades. Trust me; it was a disaster.
Was it difficult to play?
Dunbar: It was hard for you to come out there in that costume.
Wham, are there any international examples you’ve seen in all your travels? Will Globetrotters style emerge?
Wham: It will undoubtedly take place in Australia in 2022. We had several matches over the weeks. A few weeks after that, everyone went home. But I stayed in Australia and took the opportunity to host my own basketball camps across Australia. I’ve seen you come to camp and visit our school wearing our jerseys. They went to the game not just to watch the game. They took some of it home.
Coach Dunbar, when you were When you were playing in the 1970s, you were playing for Converse. They definitely fit your style, but what impact did they have on the game?
Dunbar: No discomfort. Must remember. I had no choice. That’s all we knew.
How was your experience? play it forward?
Dunbar: It’s great. It’s great to be with the players and have the opportunity to interact with them. But I think it’s great. It shows what they do on the court and what they do off the court. Very educational.
Wham: It’s amazing how organizations and small businesses are shedding light on doing something positive for their communities and getting them involved. It would be amazing to be able to learn more about
what was your favorite moment play it forward?
Wham: I have to say I went to the Georgia Aquarium and spent some time with the Wounded Warrior Project. They are injured people, usually suffering from his PTSD and don’t get out of the house much. The project took them out of the house and into the Georgia Aquarium where they were underwater with over 100 species of fish. They felt at peace. It was a life changing experience.
Dunbar: We went to a small college hockey field in Chicago and did that thing where people with disabilities were playing hockey on sleds. Some had the chance to get out there. It was great to see people develop these programs for people who can’t do it with their two limbs.I thought that was a great thing, man.
What is the Globetrotter’s lasting impact on basketball fashion as a whole?
Dunbar: It revolutionized the game. We opened the door for them to try more fashion on the court. There was a buckle (laughs). I looked around and saw no one in Harlem wearing a uniform that resembled his Globetrotters.
Wham: We helped integrate the NBA and more into the world of basketball.
Keith Nelson is a destined author and passionate journalist, connecting the dots for Men’s Health, Vibe Magazine, LEVEL MAG, REVOLT TV, Complex, Grammys.com, Red Bull, Okayplayer, Mic and more. have formed the big picture. some.
