Rice Graduate Reaches New Heights as Globetrotter

By SOCRATES PALMER Jr.

The Harlem Globetrotters have brought their unique brand of basketball magic to audiences young and old for 82 seasons. The team's roster now boasts a familiar face to fans in the tri—state area, former Rice High School standout Shagari "Skyscraper" Alleyne, who at 7—feet—3—inches tall literally towers over the competition.

Alleyne says he looks back at his days as a student at the Harlem high school with fond memories. "High school was just fun, I had great teammates," he told CNY. "We played in a lot of great games against the best competition, traveled in tournaments, and we won a lot of games. I was fortunate to be there and I really enjoyed my time at Rice."

While basketball was an important part of Alleyne's years at Rice, it was not the sole reason that made Rice a special place, he said. He credits the late Orlando Gober, who was then principal, for his support and friendship.

"I remember him always giving me advice," Alleyne said. "A lot of the conversations we had back then, I still remember vividly now. He was a mentor to me and a lot of guys in the school, not just basketball players...He was the same with everyone whether you played sports or not. He was just there for everyone. I remember when he died how many former students came to his wake and it made me realize how many lives he touched."

Skyscraper was a three—time, first—team All—City and All—State selection under head coach Maurice Hicks. As a junior, he helped lead Rice to Catholic High School and New York State Federation titles. As a senior, he averaged 21.0 points, 14.0 rebounds and 5.0 blocks per game.

In 2003, he earned a scholarship to the University of Kentucky. The Wildcats made the NCAA tournament during each season of Skyscraper's collegiate career, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2005. Unfortunately Alleyne's Kentucky years were not his personal best statistically and in his senior year he transferred to Manhattan College. As a transfer, he was forced to sit out his senior season. He didn't play a single game for the Jaspers before entering the 2007 NBA draft. He was not drafted, but attended training camp with the Philadelphia 76ers that year. Alleyne says that playing for an NBA team remains a dream, but he feels that God has put him in a great situation with the Globetrotters.

"I'm traveling a lot and seeing a lot of places," Alleyne said. "When I joined the tour we started at a U.S. military base in Asia and then went to Japan, Guam and Korea. Entertaining the troops is something very special to me and it is what the Globetrotters are all about, putting smiles on people's faces."

The Globetrotters play virtually all year round, but most of their games are held throughout North America from the last week in December through late April. During the rest of the year, the Globetrotters play numerous games overseas and participate in other charitable activities. The Globetrotters play a schedule of about 100 games in the four—month peak stretch, including doubleheaders. Playing that much basketball is fine with Alleyne, who first fell in love with the game while emulating his older brother, Robert, his hero while growing up. "I thought and still think that he was an incredible person, and I wanted to be just like him," Alleyne said. After watching his brother play basketball for several years, Skyscraper took up the sport at age 10.

Another person who inspires the now—25—year—old Alleyne is NBA star Shaquille O'Neal. "Shaq broke the stereotype that big guys have no personality," he said. During his spare time Alleyne has dabbled in hip hop music. He writes lyrics and some day would like to put his deep voice and his passion for music to the test.

It should come as no surprise that the entertainment aspect of life as a Globetrotter is a perfect fit for Alleyne. Besides rapping and writing hip—hop lyrics, Alleyne said he "could see myself being a late night radio personality or a sports commentator."

Skyscraper and his teammates will be at Madison Square Garden for two games on Friday, Feb. 13.

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