The Harlem Wizards came into town to play a select group of Prairie View students in a match up of All-Star teams on Tuesday Oct. 7. Twelve of PV’s own took the court against the group of six Harlem Wizards. With names such as “Swoop”, “Dazzle”, and “The Gift”, expectations of both basketball skill and charisma were expected from the crowd and the visitors delivered with flying colors.
From the opening tap, the Wizards were a high-flying group of former college and professional players who thrilled the crowd. However, the PV All-Stars stayed close throughout the first half with some of the players even dunking on fastbreak attempts. At halftime, “Swoop” of the Wizards entertained the crowd by picking participants out of the crowd and setting them up in a circle at center court and playing a game that involved being alert and catching the ball. If the ball was dropped, it was followed by a resounding, “You’ve been tricked!”
In the second half, the PV All-Stars came out firing and briefly took at 34-32 lead halfway through the third quarter. Though the game was fiercely competitive, it took a backseat at times to the antics of the Wizards. Towards the end of the third quarter, the game was stopped by “Swoop” and an impromptu football play began to break out as the Wizards lined up in a football formation. Between the third and fourth quarters, the Wizards pulled the signature “confetti bucket” trick that is a staple in the traveling basketball industry.
“Swoop” and “Cross Magic” feigned an argument that led to the pouring of a pitcher of water into a container and as the lower level fans raced to the upper level in fear of getting wet, he dumped the bucket of confetti onto an unsuspecting group of spectators.
In the fourth quarter, the antics continued as a PV player pulled down the shorts of an unsuspecting “Swoop” as he was attempting a free throw. The Wizards attempted to pull away late in the game but continued fastbreak opportunities kept the Prairie View team in the game. However, the Wizards converted enough opportunities to capture the win 65-60. After the game, the Wizards stuck around to happily sign autographs and take pictures with the delighted fans.
When asked about the game, Shana Raymond said, “It was a very entertaining event and I had a great time. I especially liked the engaging nature of the players.” “Swoop” also commented on his first visit to Prairie View, “I really loved it man…the crowd was so receptive to our style of antics and basketball. The opposing team also played very well. I would love to come back again sometime.”
Judging from the delighted students after the game getting autographs and taking pictures, the students would love to have the Wizards back again.