With just over two weeks remaining until the Zayed Tennis Stadium is filled with laughs and gasps of amazement at the antics of the world famous Harlem Globetrotters, Abu Dhabi Week sits down with Flip and Firefly from the team
Flip Atkins
Flip Atkins is the acrobat of the team, having been involved in tumbling since the age of seven. Flip performs a daily routine of 500 sit ups, 150 push-ups and a 20-minute run to maintain a high octane show.
Flip is an unusual name ...
My signature is a flip after my dunks; I like to give the fans a little more after my dunks, hence my nickname.
Can you explain what your shows are all about for people unfamiliar with the Harlem Globetrotters?
Well we play real basketball with some of our Harlem Globetrotter show basketball teams. There is an added bonus for this tour because the fans get to write the rules!
The people of Abu Dhabi are certainly looking forward to seeing the Globetrotters in action. Do you have a message for them?
This game will be fun for all ages from the youth to the great-great grandparents because you will see amazing dunks, great tricks with the ball and jokes that will keep you laughing. And don’t forget: this year YOU write the rules!
Describe your show in three words ...
Exciting, fun, basketball.
Firefly Fisher
Firefly Fisher is not only a leader on the basketball court; he is a mentor to children and hopes to be a teacher once he retires from the game.
Your signature move is the Fly Buzz. Tell us more about this.
The Fly Buzz is actually a dance move that I like to do during the game. It is where my body is shaking and I'm making a buzzing noise at the same time. It was a dance move that I did one day during the game and the fans loved it. I've been doing it for a few years now.
What attributes do you think are needed to be a successful Globetrotter?
Basketball is the number one thing you need to be really good at to be a Harlem Globetrotter. The tricks come afterward when you’re with your teammates working on your ball handling skills. You need to be outgoing, love being around people, work hard on a consistent basis and most importantly have showmanship qualities. These are all great attributes that will make you a successful Globetrotter and a successful person as well.
Each and every one of the Globetrotters has a unique and distinct name. How do you decide your names?
Each Globetrotter nickname is given to us. It fits well with your last name and personality. They call me Firefly because I am one of shortest players on the team and they say I light it up really fast on the court with my shooting and dribbling ability. Hopefully, I can show you exactly why they call me Firefly at the upcoming games!
What are you looking forward to most about visiting Abu Dhabi?
I am always excited to play in countries that I have never been to before. I know the crowds will be great especially since we haven't played there since 2007. I’m sure I’ll have a great experience and I’m excited to get a few new things to take back home to show all my friends and family.
What advice would you give to any young, aspiring basketball players?
Never give up and keep working hard. They are basic points to remember, but they mean a lot. I have always been the shortest player on my team throughout my career but always managed to push myself to be the best I can be. I live by the motto, ‘The only person that can defeat me is ‘me’.’
Who would be your top three teammates, dead or alive, if you had the choice?
Curly Neal, Meadowlark Lemon and Marques Haynes. They were past Globetrotters, but we have great current players that I play with right now who I wouldn't replace at all.
Seth Amoafo
