Former Harlem Globetrotter speaks to Vance County Early College students

Harlem Globetrotter Legend James “Twiggy” Sanders spoke to the student body of Vance County Early College High School in early October about the importance of education. His presentation was held in the Civic Center on Vance-Granville Community College’s Main Campus, where the high school is located. Other VGCC students, faculty and staff also attended.

Sanders, a Raleigh native, told the students that completing his college education provided him with options. “One of my coaches told me to let basketball be a means to an end,” Sanders recalled. “He said, ‘it’s your gift, but it’s not all you’re about.’”

When he realized he could go to college on an athletic scholarship, Sanders took advantage of the opportunity because he loved learning. He made sure to complete his bachelor’s degree at Johnson C. Smith University before becoming a professional athlete. “I saw too many athletes use up all their years of college eligibility but have no degree at the end to show for it,” Sanders said. He said that only about 10 percent of his teammates on the Harlem Globetrotters had a college degree. “My degree in my back pocket gave me reassurance that I could do other things,” he recalled. “You don’t want to limit yourself.” After he retired from professional basketball, his education allowed him to start a new career as a teacher and coach.

“I’m glad to see you all here in Early College,” Sanders told his audience. “I think it’s a wonderful program. You have a golden opportunity here, to get two years of college. Stay focused, draw on each other, and go on to get your four-year degree.” He added that there is “no time to play around…. The choices you make today will follow you.”

Sanders played with the Globetrotters from 1974 until 1991. He later became the 27th person in the Globetrotters’ history to be honored by the team as a “Legend,” joining the ranks of other Showmen like Reece “Goose” Tatum, Hubert “Geese” Ausbie and “Sweet” Lou Dunbar. Now retired and living in Knightdale, Sanders continues to give back by coaching at the middle school that he once attended.

His presentation to Vance County Early College was sponsored by the college’s Male Mentoring Success Initiative. Anthony Pope, who coordinated the initiative, is a longtime friend of Sanders. For more information, contact Anthony Pope at (252) 738-3395 or popea@vgcc.edu.

Image Information: Former Harlem Globetrotter “Legend” James “Twiggy” Sanders addresses approximately 200 Vance County Early College High School students in the VGCC Civic Center. (VGCC photo)