FRED "CURLY" NEAL

One of the truly magical shooters and dribblers in basketball history, Curly Neal embraced the imagination of fans all over the world for 22 seasons as a key member of the Harlem Globetrotters. He played in more than 6,000-plus games in 97 countries from 1963 to 1985 with the Globetrotters. In addition to being known as one of the greatest all-time dribblers, joining the likes of Marques Haynes and Gator Rivers, Curly had a knack for hitting shots from virtually anywhere on the floor.

On Feb. 15, 2008, Curly became just the fifth Globetrotter in the team's illustrious history to have his number retired, as his number 22 was lifted to the rafters during a special ceremony at New York's Madison Square Garden.

After an outstanding career at James B. Dudley High School in Greensboro, N.C., Curly moved on to Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C., where he averaged 23.1 points per game and led his team to the CIAA title his senior year. The effervescent guard still does public relations and marketing appearances for the Globetrotters as an Ambassador of Goodwill®.  

Curly received the Globetrotters "Legends" ring on June 25, 1993.