Fred “Curly” Neal, who for 30 years entertained millions as a member of the Harlem Globetrotters, known unanimously for his dribbling wizardry, has passed away at 77.
Harlem Globetrotters legend ‘Curly’ Neal dies at 77.https://t.co/PyVWUEvw43
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 26, 2020
Neal played for the Globetrotters from 1963 through 1985. He appeared in over 6,000 games in 97 countries for the exhibition team known for its comedy, athleticism, and crowd engagement.
In a statement, the Globetrotters said Neal died at home, which is just outside of Houston, Texas on Thursday.
“We have lost one of the most genuine human beings the world has ever known,” Globetrotters general manager Jeff Munn said in a statement on Twitter. “Curly’s basketball skill was unrivaled by most, and his warm heart and huge smile brought joy to families worldwide.”
Neal’s Globetrotters jersey (No. 22), is one of only five retired by the team. In 2008 in a ceremony at Madison Square Garden Neal’s jersey was raised to the rafters.
Neal’s ability to dribble circles around defenders made him a fan favorite. The peak of the team’s popularity was during the 1970s and ’80s. Curly was a key member during that time.
Neal and the Globetrotters appeared in many popular television shows of the 1970s, including Love Boat and Gilligan’s Island. He and the Globetrotters were also featured in episodes of the classic animated series Scooby-Doo, before getting their own cartoon series.
Neal was a star high school basketball player in North Carolina. As a senior, he averaged 23 points-per-game and led Johnson C. Smith University to the CIAA title.
He was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.
Neal also was inducted into the Globetrotters Legends ring in 1993.
