The Globetrotters' next Meadowlark Lemon?

Photos: Rex Brown/IPTAY Media

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Wed Jun 27 11:04:16 GMT-04:00 2012

Bryan Narcisse Bryan Narcisse
Sr. Forward
#21 6-6, 220
North Augusta, SC
View Full Profile has gone to bed each of the past new nights with the sweet strains of “Sweet Georgia Brown” running through his mind.

Narcisse, who played at Clemson, has good reason to have the famous theme song of the Harlem Globetrotters in his thoughts – it is a song he will be hearing quite frequently after being selected by perhaps the most famous basketball team in history this week.

Narcisse helped Clemson to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances in each of his first three seasons. He played in 102 career games and over his final two seasons under Brad BrownellBrad Brownell
Head Coach
View Full Profile , he played in all 65 with 21 starts. Narcisse won the team’s Tiger Pride Award in 2012, given to a player who goes above and beyond for the good of the team.

Narcisse also participated in the 2012 College Slam Dunk Contest in New Orleans, where the Globetrotters were able to see his high-flying talents first-hand.

“I always knew the Globetrotters sent people down to scout potential players they might want to bring on the team,” Narcisse told TigerNet. “I went down there and had fun, but in the back of my mind I thought that would be cool if they were to select me.”

He didn’t have to wait long to learn that the Globetrotters were interested.

“I didn’t know if they would call or be interested, but a month later I got in contact with them through the guy that was going to be my agent,” he said. “Through him, I found out there was mutual interest. From there, it really took off and there was a lot of back and forth. They were talking about how they were having a draft, but I was just thinking that even if the opportunity didn’t happen I was really thankful and blessed.”

The Globetrotters held their draft on Tuesday, and Narcisse was one of the players selected, along with 2012 College Slam Dunk Champion James Justice of Martin Methodist College; three-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt; Iesha Davis, sister of likely #1 overall NBA Draft pick Anthony Davis; Division II All-American Stefan Bonneau of C.W. Post; and Dylan Richter, the University Athletic Association Player of the Year at Washington University in St. Louis.

“They let me know a couple of weeks ago that they were going to draft me,” he said. “It is a big dream come true, and a big answer to prayer. It is what is next in life for me, and I get to keep playing basketball, represent my hometown and Clemson University and my family.”

Narcisse – a good student and general all-around good guy – thinks he will be a perfect fit for basketball’s ambassadors.

“It is going to be an easy transition, just because we stand for the same stuff,” he said. “And as much as I love basketball, this is bigger than the game. I think the biggest thing with them is they reach out and use their platform to bring a positive message to the world. I am thankful to be a part of that.”

Narcisse said he doesn’t actually have to try out to make the team, and is excited about his opportunity.

“They don’t really have a tryout,” he said. “I am going down to training camp with them and learn the tricks of the trade. From there, I will be on the road with them. I am excited about this – that song has been stuck in my head, and I have been whistling it while going to sleep the last couple of nights. I am really excited.”

The Globetrotters fill out their roster with players who each have an individual skill they can bring to the table – dribbling, trick shots and dunking just to name a few – but another facet to their shows are the players who interact with the crowd, such as the famous Meadowlark Lemon.

Narcisse, who majored in communications at Clemson, might get a chance to not only dunk, but one day take over another role.

“Obviously, the initial thing that drew them to me was the dunking,” he said. “But in talking with them, they told me that my being in communications might lead me to being one of their showmen as well. We will see how it goes. I am anxious to get to work learning. There is a lot of experience on that team, and a lot of wisdom to be shared.”