EAST GREENSBORO – The world-renowned Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their 2022 Spread Game Tour to the Greensboro Coliseum 7 p.m., Friday, April 8.
Aggie Nation will have the opportunity to see a familiar face – former A&T men's basketball big man Julian 'Zeus' McClurkin.
"There is no place like basketball in the TRIAD," said McClurkin. "The electric atmosphere is unmatched. Being back in Greensboro is nostalgic. Walking the campus of A&T, visiting the café and bookstore has been a special memory that I can now share with my family."
McClurkin (6-foot-8, 225, Columbus, Ohio), now the Showman for the Globetrotters, walked on and played two years for the Aggies from 2007-09. He played in 34 games. He started all 32 games during the 2008-09 season and scored 82 total points while grabbing 90 rebounds.
"My time at A&T was amazing," said McClurkin. "I have always admired the basketball program and felt I could make an impact on the team. I originally attended a PWI (predominately white institution) and was influenced by my sister, who graduated from A&T, to make the shift, and I'm so glad I did. It was important to immerse myself in HBCU culture. The university prepares you for success and builds your confidence as a young black scholar in ways that are not present in most universities."
McClurkin always knew he wanted to be a professional athlete. But he did not know which sport he wanted to go pro in. McClurkin didn't even start playing basketball in high school until his junior year. When he was much younger, however, he made a promise that has been the driving force in his career and his life ever since.
"When I was younger, I made God a promise that if I became a professional athlete, I would tell everyone that HE is the reason," said McClurkin. "That promise keeps me grounded. So becoming a player for such an iconic brand as the Harlem Globetrotters was a perfect match for me, and it allows me to be the athlete I was born to be."
There are many different nicknames around the world of sports for many reasons.
LeBron 'King' James earned the nickname from his importance in the sport and how any team that gains his services becomes an instant contender in the NBA. Kobe 'The Black Mamba' Bryant garnered his due to his quick-strike ability that often left his opponents feeling the pain. David 'Big Papi' Ortiz requires nothing more than a side-eye glance to understand how and why he has his nickname, but his 541 career home runs probably didn't hurt, either.
So, how did McClurkin pick his up, you might ask?
"God-like physique and thunderous dunks," he said matter-of-factly.
The Globetrotters will be at the Greensboro Coliseum on April 8 and are dedicating this season to a local legend, Fred 'Curly' Neal.
Born in Greensboro, Neal attended Dudley High School and played collegiately for Johnson C. Smith, where he averaged 23.1 points per game and was an all-conference guard. He played 22 seasons for the Globetrotters following his college career and will go down as one of the organization's most iconic figures.
Years ago, McClurkin was playing for Harlem's opponent, the Washington Generals, when Neal approached him following a game. He asked McClurkin if he was ready to become a Globetrotter and encouraged the young player that he would become one soon.
"And I did," finished McClurkin, reflecting on what he says is his favorite memory since joining the Globetrotter organization.
