Gator Rivers

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The Sound of Sweet Georgia Brown

Larry "Gator" Rivers realized his dream when he was just 7 years old. The place was Savannah, Georgia, a small southern community on the brink of a racial revolution. Gator's mother had taken him to the local movie theatre to watch a movie about the Harlem Globetrotters, starring the famed dribbler named, Marques Haynes. Considered to be one of the best dribblers in the world, Marques Haynes dazzled audiences with his diverse dribbling skills. It was on that day that Gator Rivers made that commitment to one day follow in his idol's footsteps and become the greatest ballhandler in the world. Deep in the heart of the South and during a time when African Americans were at the roots of an American racial movement, Gator Rivers prevailed and overcame those disadvantages. Although Gator was exposed to racial tensions he never comprimised his dream of one day becoming the master dribbler for the famous Harlem Globetrotters. As the old cliche goes "never say never".

Throughout his school years, Gator was a standout basketball player. When Gator was in the 7th grade he was asked to play on the high school varsity team only to prove his ability of dribbling the basketball on a higher level than players his age. In fact, the opposing varsity players were unable to execute the full-court or half-court press. His success continued into his collegiate years as he played for the top ranked Moberly Area Junior College in Moberly, Missouri. He then transferred to Missouri Western where he was recognized as an All-American Guard. Currently, Gator still holds the all-time record for most assists.

It wasn't until 16 years after the conception of his childhood dream did he get an opportunity to tryout for the Harlem Globetrotters. It began with an audition in the presence of his ballhandling idol, Marques Haynes. Marcus escorted the young dribbler backstage in Topeka, Kansas auditorium. Gator was all prepared to exhibit his ballhandling skills. Instead, Marques Haynes asked him to dribble in the closet where the folding chairs were stored. He dribbled around and over the chairs, displaying his extraordinary control of the ball, while Marques looked on very impressed. Afterwards, Mr. Haynes promised to stay in touch.

Gator waited patiently with no communication from Marques. After waiting two years, Gator attended a formal tryout for the Harlem Globetrotters and out of 42 hopefuls he and one other player were selected to join the team. After just one week as a Globetrotter, Gator was chosen to perform the show dribbling routine, a crowd favorite. For the next 13 years, Gator was hailed as the premier dribbler and performed for audiences around the world.

Since retiring from the Harlem Globetrotter, Gator has formed a youth foundation called Gatorball Academy in which he teaches young players to take their dribbling skills to the next level. He is also the President of the Harlem Legends, a traveling basketball team comprised of superior athletes that play at high schools, colleges and community events in order to raise funds for various projects. He also travels around the world sharing his story with kids as well as adults hoping to ignite a fire within them to be the best they can be. His career has been one of many successes. He has had the opportunity to meet President Reagan, President Ford, Henry Kissinger, Duchess of Kent and Reverend Jesse Jackson. Gator has been featured on ABC Wide World of Sports, Good Morning America, The Love Boat and Scooby Doo.

Though he has experienced the fruits of his entertainment, his first love is to motivate, inspire and educate our youth to live a drug-free life and live it to the fullest. They will hear the Gator Rivers Story and how he overcame many obstacles to get where he is today.

GATOR'S SPEAKING TOPICS INCLUDE: Drug Awarness - Motivation - Success - Education

GATOR TRAVELES FROM MISSOURI

GATOR IS AVAILABLE FOR: SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, CELEBRITY SPORTING EVENTS, AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS, ONE-ON-ONE INSTRUCTION, GROUP INSTRUCTION, GRAND OPENINGS, IN-STORE PROMOTIONS, BASKETBALL CLINICS APPEARANCES, HALF-TIME ENTERTAINMENT SHOWS AND THE HARLEM LEGENDS BASKETBALL TEAM GAMES IN YOUR SCHOOL

GATOR IS AVAILABLE TO: HIGH SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, CORPORATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, FUNDRAISING ORGANIZATIONS, BASKETBALL CAMPS, AND CHARITY ORGANIZERS