Harlem Globetrotters Visit Eastside Middle School, Play Hoops with Local Phenom

Two Harlem Globetrotters visited the Eastside Monday to perform tricks with youth basketball phenomenon Jordan McCabe and send a message to young people: That dedication and school pay off.

Globetrotter Rocket Rivers and Fred "Curly" Neal, a legend with the team known for awe-inspiring basketball shows, appeared with McCabe, 12, at Beaver Lake Middle School, where the youth attends classes.

In three assemblies in front of students at the Issaquah school, Rivers and McCabe amazed the students with low dribbling, spinning and juggling. The students broke out into applause, laughter and hoots - several times.

Jordan, an Issaquah resident, has gained national notoriety because of his basketball skills, which he said he has honed by spending two to three hours each day in the gym.

As Rivers and McCabe showed their skills, Neal held a microphone and gave commentary at the school, which is near Sammamish. He reminded students about the importance of thanking their teachers, reading and trying their best with academics.

McCabe is a straight "A" student. Recently, he was on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." KOMO News also has featured him.

Editor's note: If you're interested in seeing the Globetrotters, they will perform on Feb. 17 at 7 pm at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Feb. 19 at 2 and 7 pm at Comcast Arena in Everett and Feb. 20 at 1 pm at KeyArena in Seattle. Details can be found online.

You can follow Bellevue Patch on Facebook and Twitter! Write on our wall!