Fullerton Youth Train With Harlem Globetrotters

Children participate in a basketball training session with members of the Harlem Globetrotters, hosted by the YMCA of Orange County in Fullerton, Calif., on Feb. 1, 2023. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

FULLERTON, Calif.—On the basketball courts of Lemon Park, over three dozen children were bouncing basketballs together, awaiting the arrival of three Harlem Globetrotter stars who were invited to help improve their skills in an hourlong training.

“This is important for students because they learn and hear these important life lessons from someone other than their families and teachers,” Anna Romiti, VP of Marketing and Communications for the YMCA of Orange County, told The Epoch Times. “They see the benefits of how hard work pays off. It gives them hope and reinforces their dreams and passions.”

Children take part in a one-hour basketball training session hosted by the YMCA of Orange County in Fullerton, Calif., on Feb. 1, 2023. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Three players of the near century-old basketball entertainment group—Shane “Scooter” Christensen, Saul “Flip” White, and Julian “Zeus” McClurkin—immediately garnered the attention of the excited children of the YMCA of Orange County as they entered the court.

“All right, who’s ready to have some fun?” shouted McClurkin, No. 30, from the end of the court.

McClurkin who is currently the Guinness World Record holder for most slam dunks in a minute—16—towered over the children at 6 feet 8 inches.

Harlem Globetrotter "Zeus" McClurkin helps a child slam dunk on a basketball hoop in Fullerton, Calif., on Feb. 1, 2023. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

The children simultaneously shouted back as they scrambled with their small basketballs.

Ushered to the middle of the court by the three players, Christensen, #16, started the children off with right-handed dribbles, moving in an up-and-down motion that kept the captivated kids in focus as they attempted to mimic his actions.

“Don’t stop,” Christensen said. “You’ve got to find that dribble and ... switch. Left-handled dribbles, now.”

Children dribble basketballs in Fullerton, Calif., on Feb. 1, 2023. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Helping children at the other end of the court, White corrected the dribble movements and posture of several of the younger children—all of whom had smiles on their faces.

“Okay, now sit and dribble, sit and dribble,” he said as the kids followed.

After several more relays, the three basketball stars put on a vibrant display of tricks from ball spins on their heads to intense dribbles, which basketball fans do not usually see on the courts of an NBA game.

Harlem Globetrotter Shane "Scooter" Christensen leads children as they take part in a one-hour basketball training session hosted by the YMCA of Orange County in Fullerton, Calif., on Feb. 1, 2023. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

“What’s the hardest trick you can do?” one of the children asked Christensen.

“Definitely spinning the ball on my nose,” he replied.

Parents watching from the sidelines used their feet to obtain every angle they could for photos of the special hour that the visiting Globetrotters had with their children.

“How do you get better at basketball?” Christensen asked the children. “You guys need to stay in school and be sure to stay active.”