Globetrotter star stops in Pittston area to promote upcoming shows

PITTSTON TWP. — Harlem Globetrotter Chris “Handles” Franklin wants to do all he can to be a positive influence on kids, both on and off the basketball court.

On Tuesday morning, Franklin appeared at Freeland Elementary to speak to students about a program called TEAM Up at School. The program was designed by the National Campaign to Stop Violence as a way to combat bullying. The Globetrotters present the program through the acronym “TEAM,” which stands for Talk, Empathize, Ask and Mobilize.

Following his appearance at the school, Franklin stopped by Sky Zone near Pittston for a meet-and-greet opportunity with fans, which included autographs and giveaways.

Franklin, who is from the Harrisburg area, had many positive role models growing up, including athletes. Now, he hopes he might be that role model for someone else.

“We pride ourselves on not only being great basketball players but also on being great role models for kids,” Franklin said of his talented teammates. “We strive to be those athletes kids look up to and we try to live our lives in that respect.”

Franklin and the rest of the Harlem Globetrotters will return to the area Saturday, Dec. 29, as part of their new Fan Powered World Tour, which includes two shows at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

At each show, there will be over 20 opportunities for fans to interact with the Globetrotters before, during and after each game. Also new to this tour is an augmented reality mobile app that will allow fans to play games and share special filters on social media.

“There’s so many ways for fans to be involved,” said Franklin, a guard who attended Lock Haven University.

You might have gathered from his nickname that Franklin is known for his amazing ball-handling skills. He’s also perfected some trick shots. In fact, he holds the Guinness World Records mark for “farthest kneeling basketball shot made backwards,” according to the Globetrotters’ website.

He made that shot from more than 60 feet away from the basket. To put that into perspective, an NBA shot from half court would have to travel 47 feet to reach the rim.

‘Still remembers that’

Jason Lambert, of Moosic, and sons Jason, 12, and Jacob, 8, have been going to see the Globetrotters for years. They keep coming back because of the lasting memories, especially the fan interactions.

“When Jacob was about 4 years old they brought him out on the court, and he still remembers that,” Lambert said.

As regulars at Skyzone, the Lamberts were excited to get to meet a Harlem Globetrotter right in their own community.

For Franklin, that’s one of the best parts of his job.

“We pride ourselves on being individuals that bring people together so it’s great to get out and meet the community,” he said.

Tickets for the Globetrotters’ upcoming shows are on sale now at the NBT Bank Box Office, ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

Mia Gentile, left, and Za’Marra Perry, both 12 of Scranton, met the legendary Chris ‘Handles’ Franklin from the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters at the Sky Zone in Pittston Township on Tuesday. Franklin will be appearing with the Globetrotters at the Mohegan Sun Arena during shows Dec. 29.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/web1_Globetrotters-1-1-1-1.jpgMia Gentile, left, and Za’Marra Perry, both 12 of Scranton, met the legendary Chris ‘Handles’ Franklin from the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters at the Sky Zone in Pittston Township on Tuesday. Franklin will be appearing with the Globetrotters at the Mohegan Sun Arena during shows Dec. 29. Tony Callaio | For Times Leader

Jason Lambert, 12, left, and 8-year-old brother Jacob, of Moosic, get a lesson on spinning a basketball on one finger by Harlem Globetrotter star Chris ‘Handles’ Franklin, who is from Harrisburg.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/web1_Globetrotters-2-1-1-1.jpgJason Lambert, 12, left, and 8-year-old brother Jacob, of Moosic, get a lesson on spinning a basketball on one finger by Harlem Globetrotter star Chris ‘Handles’ Franklin, who is from Harrisburg. Tony Callaio | For Times Leader

Nine-year-old Ben Shupp also took a turn spinning a basketball on his finger under the tutelage of Harlem Globetrotters star Chris ‘Handles’ Franklin.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/web1_Globetrotters-3-1-1-1.jpgNine-year-old Ben Shupp also took a turn spinning a basketball on his finger under the tutelage of Harlem Globetrotters star Chris ‘Handles’ Franklin. Tony Callaio | For Times Leader

Chris ‘Handles’ Franklin, a native of Harrisburg and member of the Harlem Globetrotters, helps 8-year-old Michael Badman, of Hunlock Creek, spin a basketball during Tuesday’s meet-and-greet at Sky Zone near Pittston.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/web1_Globetrotters-4-1-1-1.jpgChris ‘Handles’ Franklin, a native of Harrisburg and member of the Harlem Globetrotters, helps 8-year-old Michael Badman, of Hunlock Creek, spin a basketball during Tuesday’s meet-and-greet at Sky Zone near Pittston. Tony Callaio | For Times Leader

Chris ‘Handles’ Franklin displays some of his nifty moves with a basketball Tuesday during a stop at Sky Zone near Pittston. Franklin is a member of the Harlem Globetrotters team that will stop at the Mohegan Sun Arena for two shows Saturday, Dec. 29.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/web1_Globetrotters-5-1-1-1.jpgChris ‘Handles’ Franklin displays some of his nifty moves with a basketball Tuesday during a stop at Sky Zone near Pittston. Franklin is a member of the Harlem Globetrotters team that will stop at the Mohegan Sun Arena for two shows Saturday, Dec. 29. Tony Callaio | For Times Leader