Hubert Ausbie

Hubert Eugene "Geese" Ausbie (born 25 April 1938) is a retired professional basketball player. He was born in Crescent, Oklahoma.[1]

Ausbie played basketball at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he earned All-Conference and All-American honors. Ausbie was one of the leading college scorers in the NCAA's College Division (later called Division II). (The only other prominent professional athlete from Philander Smith was Elijah Pitts, a halfback with the Lombardi-era Green Bay Packers.)

Contents

Tenure with the Harlem Globetrotters

Ausbie was offered contracts by Major League Baseball and National Basketball Association teams. He joined the Harlem Globetrotters after his wife sent numerous letters describing his play to Abe Saperstein, the team's founder.[2] Ausbie gained fame as a Globetrotter from 1961-1985. After the retirement of Meadowlark Lemon, Ausbie took his place as the "Clown Prince of Basketball" for his dazzling play and irrepressible pranks on the court.

Retirement

Ausbie received a Globetrotters Legends ring,[3] a recognition given to only a few elite former players. He retired from the team in 1985, but returned in 1995 to become head coach and manager of operations for the Globetrotters.

References

  1. ^ Carlson, Jenni (2008-08-24). "Collective Wisdom: Hubert Ausbie" (fee required). The Oklahoman. http://newsok.com/collective-wisdom-hubert-ausbie/article/3287498/?tm=1219554049. Retrieved 2010-03-20. 
  2. ^ Mishow, Marty (1985-01-02). "Ausbie still the tops". The Southeast Missourian. http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=f7EfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=StcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=963,214492&dq=hubert+ausbie&hl=en. Retrieved 2010-03-20. 
  3. ^ "Hubert "Geese" Ausbie". Harlem Globetrotters. http://harlemglobetrotters.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/Team/Legends/Geese%20Ausbie.html. Retrieved 2010-03-20. 

External links