When the legendary Harlem Globetrotters open their first-ever training camp in New York on Oct. 1, on display will be one of the most electrifying college basketball players in the country, as the team has signed All-American point guard Anthony “Ant” Atkinson, selected by the Globetrotters in their inaugural draft in July. “Ant” burst onto the national scene in March by leading one of the greatest comebacks in college basketball history, scoring 10 points in the last 39 seconds of Barton College’s 77-75 win over top-ranked Winona State in the 2007 NCAA Division II National Championship game, a performance that was a runner-up in the “Best Finish” category at the 2007 ESPY Awards.

“You’re talking about world famous ambassadors that have fun playing ball, touching lives and seeing the world,” said “Ant.” “Kids of this world need something positive in their lives, and I am extremely excited for the opportunity.” Joining “Ant” to round out the best rookie crop in the team’s storied history are:

• Ball-handling extraordinaires Luis “Trikz” Da Silva of Elizabeth, N.J., and Chris “Handles” Franklin from Harrisburg, Pa., who were featured in the groundbreaking Nike “Freestyle” commercials in 2001.
• Devin “Mr. Biz” Thompson of New York City, who has competed in numerous slam-dunk competitions and played internationally as a professional.
• Dribbling whiz Kenny “The Blender” Rodriguez from Englewood, N.J., and dunking specialist Kevin “Turbo” Pearson of Mulberry, Fla.
• Rashaan “Snapp” Barner from Hillside, N.J., a former NABC Second Team All-American.

The Globetrotters will conduct training camp in Hempstead, N.Y., from Oct. 1-10, priming for their upcoming 2008 “Magic As Ever” World Tour, which will see over 300 performances worldwide.

“The Harlem Globetrotters will bring their multitude of fans a spectacular, all new show, with even more basketball skills and wizardry and a continued focus on wholesome family entertainment, as we strive to reclaim our place as a global entertainment powerhouse,” said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. “We are raising the profile of a new generation of veteran stars, while bringing in an excellent crop of rookies with amazing ball handling skills and incredible high-flying, rim-rattling athleticism.”

Among the veterans back to delight fans of all ages are Showmen Kevin “Special K” Daley and Paul “Showtime” Gaffney; dribbling phenoms Shane “Scooter” Christensen and Herbert “Flight Time” Lang; and the Globetrotters’ gentle giant, Eugene “Wildkat” Edgerson.

The Harlem Globetrotters have played in 118 countries on six continents, entertaining over 125 million fans in their history. For more information, please visit the team’s newly redesigned official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.