Showboat Robinson's Harlem Magicians and ABA sign strategic relationship

October 20, 2005 - American Basketball Association (ABA) News Release


Indianapolis, IN. The name Harlem Magicians has been around comedy basketball since 1953. Founded by Original Harlem Magicians and Harlem Globetrotter, basketball Hall of Famer, dribbling wiz Marques Haynes, the team has toured and entertained fans all over the world for over 50 years. The Harlem Magicians became a household name when the team signed the Original Clown Prince of Basketball, Goose Tatum, who then made its first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show prior to starring in their own movie produced by Columbia Pictures and which debuted at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Joe Newman, ABA CEO, stated, "We are pleased to announce that we have entered into a strategic relationship with this world famous team to tour in many ABA cities thoughout the season - and bring exciting new entertainment to our fans. Working with Lamont "Showboat" Robinson has been a delight. He knows basketball and basketball entertainment and promotion - and should be a great new addition to the ABA experience."

Today's Harlem Magicians are still carrying on the name and the excitement and have been written up in USA Today, Basketball Digest and Slam Magazine. During this past season, the team travelled to Europe and the Middle East. They are led by owner and new Clown Prince of Basketball and legendary showman, "Showboat" Robinson who wears #36 in honor of his teacher and mentor, the Great Meadowlark Lemon.

According to Robinson, "We are thrilled to be a part of the ABA's sports entertainment plans. We know that the fans will be excited. We think we have the #1 family show in the world, and some of the best players too including "Jump'n Jack Demoino, Half Man, Half Amazing Dukes for Motor City who has a 44-inch vertical jump and is one of the world's best slam dunk artists, and NY City point guard, playground legend Curly Jones, who will remind fans of the famed Harlem Globetrotter, Curley Neal."

When asked who the Harlem Magicians will play at these games, Robinson and Newman answered, "We are putting together a team of ABA Streetball Legends - and they will be the opponents of the Magicians. Talk about a fun night - a combinatgion of traditional Globetrotter-style basketball mixed with 21st Century street ball basketball at its best."

Showboat Robinson's Harlem Magicians primary goal is to encourage kids to work hard and stay in school and avoid drugs and alcohol. For more information about the Magicians or the ABA Streetball Legends, email harlemmagicians@sbcglobal.net or joenewman@abalive.com or visit www.abalive.com. -

Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.



American Basketball Association Stories from October 20, 2005


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