Please enjoy THIS interview with professional basketball player Cheese Chisholm of the Harlem Globetrotters. Here we discuss his future off the court, watching their fans grow up, and the Globetrotters’ fast-approaching 100th season.
THIS: The Globetrotters are closing in on their historic 100th season. How are you all preparing for that?
Cheese: Great question! As far as now, 93 seasons, that’s already a lot! Thinking ahead to seven years from now, I think we’re just going to stick to our guns; we’re going to do what we do well and that’s create memories that last a lifetime. I’ve been a Globetrotter for 9 years. For me to be a part of this organization for this long, I would love to be here for the 100th anniversary! It’s going to be lit! We have something in store and we’re still brainstorming.
THIS: Speaking of the Globetrotters today, what’s made you all socially stronger?
Cheese: The one thing about anything that lasts for so long, is you have a core. Our core is our fans. It’s the fan interaction. People know when they come to a Globetrotter game they might get pulled on to the court. Their son or daughter might get water thrown on them. That part of it never changes. Socially, fans know what they’re going to get and that’s why we’re the best at it.
THIS: You return to some of the same cities year after year, getting to engage with many of the same fans, especially the children, who come back to see you. And, as you know, they change over time. What’s it like building rapport with your younger fans and getting to watch them grow up?
Cheese: It’s great! We have 30 Globetrotters; while some are on the east coast the rest are on the west coast. And fans do look for certain players, but it’s cool they get to see a new game and a new show with new faces. So, for those of us who’ve been here for a number of years to the new members, we all take pride in what we do. Together we have a great time.
THIS: Cheese, what did you do before you joined the team?
Cheese: I graduated from Ball State University with a communications degree. It’s funny how things worked out leading to the job I do now. I get to be involved with and talk to media. It’s been a long ride and it’s still going!
THIS: Given your communications background have you thought about different things you can do with the Globetrotters that’s not on the court?
Cheese: Oh, yeah! We already do a lot off the court like talking at children’s hospitals and talking at schools. Players that take this job have to have that trait. A lot of things are in line for me as far as coaching, I have camps now for kids, and I’ll probably do more things in the community where it’s needed most. It’s all God’s plan. I started playing basketball when I was 6 and never stopped. And I’m still young and I’m having fun traveling the world! At the same time I always think about what’s next because you never know what can happen.
THIS: So, is what’s next a hat collection since you swiped a few from fans during the game?
Cheese: [Laughs] I like hats! I do collect hats and sneakers, and cool stuff like that! |THIS
[Written by Mr. Joe Walker | Follow THIS on Twitter @THISENT1]
