Curly Neal facts for kids
Neal in 2008
|
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| No. 22 | |
|---|---|
| Point guard | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | May 19, 1942 Greensboro, North Carolina |
| Nationality | American |
| Died | March 26, 2020 (aged 77) Houston, Texas |
| High school | Dudley (Greensboro, North Carolina) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Listed weight | 162 lb (73 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Johnson C. Smith (1959–1963) |
| Pro career | 1963–1985 |
| Career history | |
| 1963–1985 | Harlem Globetrotters |
Frederick "Curly" Neal (born May 19, 1942 – died March 26, 2020) was a famous American basketball player. He was best known for playing with the Harlem Globetrotters. Curly was easy to spot because of his completely shaved bald head. He became the main ball handler for the Globetrotters, taking over from another legend, Marques Haynes. This was a very important role in the team's fun and exciting shows.
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Early Life and College
Curly Neal was born in Greensboro, North Carolina. He went to James B. Dudley High School there. After high school, he attended Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. He played basketball for the university from 1959 to 1963. During his time at Smith, he was a great player. He scored an average of 23.1 points in each game. He was also named an All-Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) guard.
A Star with the Globetrotters
Curly Neal played for the Harlem Globetrotters for 22 seasons. This was from 1963 to 1985. During his career, he played in more than 6,000 games. He traveled to 97 different countries with the team. His bald head helped him get his famous nickname, "Curly." It was a funny reference to The Three Stooges character, Curly Howard. His unique look made him one of the most recognized Globetrotters.
In the 1970s, an animated version of Curly Neal appeared on TV. He starred with other Globetrotters in the Hanna-Barbera cartoon Harlem Globetrotters. There was also a spin-off show called The Super Globetrotters. The animated Globetrotters even showed up three times in The New Scooby-Doo Movies.
Curly Neal also appeared in live-action TV shows. He was on The Harlem Globetrotters Popcorn Machine in 1974–75. He also made appearances in other popular shows. These included The White Shadow, The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island, and The Love Boat.
Honors and Awards
On January 11, 2008, the Globetrotters announced a special honor for Curly Neal. His jersey number, 22, would be retired. This means no other player on the team would ever wear that number again. The ceremony happened on February 15 at Madison Square Garden. It was part of a special "Curly Neal Weekend."
Curly Neal was only the fifth Globetrotter in the team's history to have his number retired. He joined other basketball legends. These included Wilt Chamberlain (number 13) and Meadowlark Lemon (number 36). Also honored were Marques Haynes (number 20) and Goose Tatum (number 50).
On January 31, 2008, another big announcement was made. Curly Neal was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. He also received the Globetrotters' special "Legends" ring. This ring is given to people who have made big contributions. They must have helped others and worked hard for the Harlem Globetrotters organization.
Personal Life and Legacy
A large painting, called a mural, honors Curly Neal in Greensboro. It is in the basketball gym of the Hayes-Taylor Memorial YMCA. The mural celebrates his achievements as a Globetrotter. It also remembers his time playing for Dudley High School.
Curly Neal had two daughters, Rocurl and Laverne. He also had six grandchildren: David, Dante, Jayden, Brandon, Deja, and Hailey. He lived in Houston, Texas with his fiancée, Linda Ware.
Curly Neal passed away on March 26, 2020. He was 77 years old. He died at his home outside Houston.
