Interview with Globetrotter Otis Key!
12/19/2003: Today, I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Mr. OK himself, Otis Key of the World Famous Harlem Globetrotters. First, let me start by saying that calling this man "Mr. OK" is certainly an understatement. He was a really nice guy, and he seemed like he would be a great friend to anyone. In any case, he was in town promoting the Globetrotters' upcoming game at Nationwide Arena (tickets available at the box office, or at www.ticketmaster.com) on December 28. I've got to tell you though, if you've never been to a Globetrotters game before, it's definitely something that you don't want to miss out on. They not only play some good basketball, they provide the fans with one very entertaining show. I've seen them play a few times over the years, and I'm always excited to hear that they're coming to town.
Anyhow, the interview was pretty good. He really seems like he'd be a fun guy to hang out with. I asked him some of the questions that other people told me that they wanted to know.
Arthur Maggi: I've seen the Globetrotters play several times over the years, and you guys have some amazing ball handling skills. You could have probably played anywhere you wanted, what made you decide on the Globetrotters?
Otis Key: "It's unique. The Globetrotters are a team that is respected the world over." I wanted to be a part of that.
AM: What is the selection process like?
OK: There's a training camp you have to go through, and the selection process is really strict. If they like what they see, then you get selected to move on.
AM: Do they teach you how to do the tricks in the camp?
OK: Not until the very end. They teach you the basics. The rest of the tricks are developed over time.
AM: So, how much time do you think that you spend on the road each year?
OK: The season runs from December to April. Then we usually have around two months of international appearances. After that some of us attend summer camps and things like that.
AM: So what is your favorite city to visit?
OK: "Anyplace warm." Probably Miami. It's a happening place.
AM: How many countries have you traveled to?
OK: 27.
AM: Wow! You've been everywhere! What is your favorite country to visit (besides the US)?
OK: Australia. It's the country that is the most like America. "They're really open and warm in Australia."
AM: I've read that you speak several languages. I'm sure you're as busy as anyone, so how you have time to learn them?
OK: I travel a lot, and I'm always immersed in foreign languages. I learned Spanish at an early age, and I played basketball for two years in Spain, so being around it all the time just sinks in. It's the same with the other languages.
AM: I've seen your name all over the news for making school and charity appearances. I know it's not just for entertainment. What else do you want to leave with the kids?
OK: Besides entertaining the kids, we always hope that they'll "leave with a positive message" after our appearance. We try to teach "respect and understanding" to the kids. We like to hope that they'll learn to respect their teachers, parents, and basically everyone. We just hope that the kids leave with something extra besides the entertainment.
AM: What is your favorite thing about being a Globetrotter?
OK: "Travel. I like traveling to new places, meeting new people, seeing new things. It's exciting."
AM: When you're not busy with Globetrotter stuff, what do you like to do with your free time?
OK: "Fishing. It's very relaxing."
FREE FOR ALL Questions
Last movie you saw: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
CD that is in your deck right now: Anthony Hamilton
Last concert or event attended: WWE Armageddon
Favorite TV Show: CSI
Favorite Video Game: Madden 2004
Favorite Movie: The Five Heartbeats
Favorite Food: Mom's cooking
Favorite Vacation Spot: Miami or Cancun
Overall, I'd say that the guy was completely genuine, and he certainly was fun to interview. A big thank you goes out to Otis Key & The Harlem Globetrotters. Make sure you checkout the Globetrotters when they're in Columbus on December 28! If you don't live in the area, you can find more information about their tour schedule at their website. I'm sure they're coming to a town near you, and when they do, go see them!
http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com
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