‘Trotters Retire Curly Neal’s #22! / Mar 17, 2008 / 10:00 am

On February 15th, I rolled to the Garden to rep for my former Project Playground partner Kenny Rodriguez, who was making his NYC debut as the newest member of the Harlem Globetrotters. He blessed me and PPB co-founder Ramon Rodriguez with front row seats! Ken a.k.a. “The Blenda” did his thing-thing during the opening circle routine. We were so proud, as were the fans in the nose-bleed seats who raised up the Dominican Republic flag every time he stepped on the court!

During halftime, the ‘Trotters organization retired “Curly” Neal’s #22 jersey. They rolled down his top 22 highlights, and it was like a trip down memory lane for me cuz many of them–including the ’70s cartoon clips and TV commercials–I hadn’t seen since my adolescent years.


Curly Neal, with his grandson, waving to the rafters as they raised his jersey to fame.


Kenny “The Blenda” Rodriguez

Keep reppin’ for all of us Latinos Kenny, y mil gracias por los boletos!

Peep footage of the Trotters Magic Circle here. For more info, check: www.harlemglobetrotters.com

6 Responses to “‘Trotters Retire Curly Neal’s #22!”

  1. Ramon Rodriguez says:

    keep reppin’ kenny ken! you rocked the show bro and made us all crazy proud! much love y sigue pa’lante…paz

  2. Snake says:

    That a boy Kenny, its good to hear that you’re doing your thing.

  3. Justin Solomon says:

    I got to see Blenda put it down in Philly, he did well and the trotters put on a good show, but they need more ball and less antics late in the game. They need to keep with the tricks and delete that football ish.

  4. jack ryan says:

    Me and my daughter sat right behind Kenny last night in Lincroft NJ. Seeing him out there really made me proud. Kenny has come a long way and deserves what he is getting. Haven’t performed with him since the summer. His reams and tricks got even better and tighter. Keep going Kenny!!

  5. White Shadow says:

    Yeah Kenny!!! Mad Respect- Mad Love!!! Can’t wait to catch the game Monday! I always knew you’d make it. You worked to hard, it was just a matter of time before the world found out!!! The Blenda’s the REAL DEAL! You got that #1 freestyle ranking on lock! The Trotters need to cut him loose and let him do his thing out there!
    Don’t slow down Ken the basketball world is watching!

  6. sosa says:

    Wow.that’s crazy. Didn’t know there was a fellow Dominican on the Globetrotters. Mad props to him.

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