The Harlem Globetrotters are set to bring their historic 100 Year Tour across Australia and New Zealand in mid-2026.
This centennial tour will offer basketball fans a chance to witness 100 years of basketball entertainment history.
Kaylin 'Sunshine' West and Alex 'Moose' Weekes joined Piney to discuss the tour.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport Podcast with Jason Fine
from News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Treat to start us off this hour. Not just basketball players,
global entertainers, record breakers, pioneers of the game. Celebrating one
hundred years of dazzling crowds around the world, the Harlem
Globe Trotters are bringing their signature mix of skill, humor
and showmanship back to New Zealand and July. Christ Church, Wellington,
Auckland and Hamilton. Will give your ticket details at the
(00:35):
end of the chat, but right now two of the
stars are in the country spreading the word. We've got
Kaylin Sunshine West with us and Alex Moose Weeks. Good
to see you guys.
Speaker 3 (00:44):
How you doing Toyota from te fung Ui atata.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
I love it, Moose, I love it. You've only been
practicing that for the last fifteen minutes. You got it,
bang on, You got it, bang on.
Speaker 3 (00:53):
We've got big adaha for all of our fans and
our teda.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Or so good not at all, but yeah, we've got
a lot of autowhuf for you as well, a lot
of love for you guys as well. One hundred years
of Globe Trotters history, Hesspatial Sunshine is upfield to be
part of the one hundred years of this incredible organization.
Speaker 4 (01:18):
Amazing. It's like a dream, but you're walking in real life.
It feels like I'm a superwoman. You know. One hundred
years ago the Globe Trotter started, but we didn't have
any women. We didn't have any women. So a little
later and so in nineteen eighty five when we had
our first female, Lynnette Wodard, and you know, now I'm
one of six. They get to represent an organization and
just kind of show women that our little girls, that
(01:38):
we can do anything, that the sky is the limit,
you know, that we can be out there with these
guys and we can do what they do. We can
do the same tricks, the same ball handling things, shoot
the same shots, and we could do it in our
own style, our own flare, own flavor, and make it
look good too.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
What is your basketball, Jenny? How did it begin and
how did it bring you to here? It to the
Globe Trotters.
Speaker 4 (01:56):
Yes, I started playing basketball in probably about seventh grade,
and then I ended up making a career out of
that and I played five years of division and basketball
in the States. I went to Coasta, Carolina for four
years and Georgetown for a year, and then I was
the assistant director of basketball operations at Georgetown for a
year and I kind of got the chedide just wanted
to play again. So I started a train to play
(02:16):
professionally overseas, and in the midst of it, I ran
into a recruiter for the Globe Trotters who invited me
to a try out in Atlanta, Georgia. And yeah, it
obviously worked out because now here I am in New
Zealand here.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
Well, yeah, what about you tell us about your journey
to this point.
Speaker 3 (02:30):
Oh man, Well, I started off terrible. I was growing
fast and my feet were growing faster than the rest
of my body, so they called me the human room.
I tripped over my feet every time I tried to
bounce the ball. And then, you know what, I didn't
let that discourage me. So I worked and worked, and
you know, I was a top ranked player in high school.
(02:51):
Went to MTSU, which is Middle Tennessee State University, and
I played the charity game against some former Globe Charters
and NBA players. They said, hey, you need to be
with us, and you know, sixteen years later, I'm still
traveling the globe doing what I love, entertaining millions of
fans all across the globe. Have been to sixty three countries,
and you know, this year has just been an amazing
(03:12):
field with all kind of cool side quests, you know,
also like coming here to promote the upcoming tour. So
it's been a blast and a blessing to just be
a part of such a legendary organization.
Speaker 2 (03:23):
That does some travel schedule you've had, the Globe Trotters
have played an I have one hundred and twenty countries,
the ambassadors ambassadors of goodwill. I love that. I love that.
Do you feel that responsibility when you step on the court?
Speaker 4 (03:36):
Yeah, But I think that's what makes my job the
job that it is. I think that's what makes it
the best job in the world. That we're not necessarily
going out there trying to worry about if we're going
to win or lose. We know we're gonna win, just
because you know, we're the best team, you know, and
by the end of the day, we're out there to
make sure we put a smile on your face and
we leave you with the memory to walk away for.
So it's bigger than basketball. So what you know, like
(03:56):
you said, ambassadors of good will. So to be able
to do something that's like that, you know, it's like
a soul a soul feeling type type of job.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
So yeah, where does the life to keep innoviting come from?
Because you think you think you've seen it all and
then you say the holem glob trotters, and you realize
you haven't seen it all. How strong is the drive
to keep innoviting us?
Speaker 3 (04:16):
Well, you know, you've got to know your history. You
got to know where you came from to know where
you're going. So with that being said, watching all of
the greats from the past, and then you when you
come in you learn from your vets. So iron sharp
is iron. We are constantly challenging each other to do
something better than what we've done, or you know, coming
(04:37):
up with new moves, new tricks, and you know, we
put a lot of effort into practicing these things. You know,
when you see us do it, you know we're trying
to be as close to perfect as we can be.
But you don't know, we might have spent a couple
of years just perfecting one trick before we actually put
it out there in front of you fans, so you know,
this is our pride and we we really like to
(05:00):
hold that torch high and keep it going because we're
trying to set the stage for another hundred years.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
That was something I was very ca to hear about
because people see the tricks the Fine Way, turn up
and watch it, and we see the show man. It's amazing.
How to mind thing?
Speaker 4 (05:12):
Is it?
Speaker 2 (05:12):
Physically and mentally? I guess it's well to perform at
that level not after not Yeah.
Speaker 4 (05:17):
I mean, like you said, physically and demanding. It can
be tough. But what makes it worth it? What you
don't even think about in those moments because somebody's there
that night. It might be there one time where they
can see us, there one time in a lifetime where
they can see us where you don't even worry about
that ache and pain that you have going on in
your bones and your muscles. You're just going out there
and on that. When you walk through that tunnel, you're
like you're activating and you have a job to do,
(05:37):
and like you want to make sure that you do
it to your best ability, no matter how you're feeling.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
The full point shot that's become iconic a lot of
practice has to go onto that surely.
Speaker 3 (05:46):
Oh absolutely. And this day and age, you see everybody
trying to shoot the long range threes, like Steph Curry
just go ahead and step out to that four point line,
but you know it's thirty five feet away from the basket.
And the Philippine Professional League they actually have adopted the
four point line, which I think is amazing. But that
just goes to show we are still innovators of the
(06:09):
game of basketball. It started out showing you guys alley
oops and all of the trick passes and everything. And
now to see where basketball has gone and how it's
growing in New Zealand, how it's growing just all over
the world. It's a beautiful thing because you might not
speak the same language, but when you get to bounce
in that ball, or you know, especially spinning the ball
(06:30):
on a finger, you see an adult turned to a kid.
You see a kid eyes light up, and you see
the look on their parents' face like, oh man, you know,
Billy is shy and they're not. They might not want
to do and then Billy's already spending the ball on
his finger. So you know, those kind of moments are
so special to us.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
Yeah, what I mean, what a way to spend your
time and to bring such joy to people because you know,
not just basketball applies, you're entertainers as well, always aware
of the of the balance between the two things.
Speaker 4 (06:58):
Yeah, I think so, I think.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
So what do you do, like in terms of crowd
you know, crowd participation and you're happy to go in
and you're always you know, getting getting people involved.
Speaker 3 (07:10):
Is it?
Speaker 2 (07:10):
Are they normally willing participants? Like I'm along knowing that
this might be part of the deal.
Speaker 4 (07:15):
Yeah, And I think that's one of my favorite parts too.
I have a moment in the show where I get
to bring a little girl on the court and have
a little I'm not gonna tell you too much, but
I do a little special moment with her on the
court if she's brave enough, which usually they are.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
So yeah, yeah, good, sorry, Okay. Sunshine and most tell
us about the nicknames and where they came from.
Speaker 4 (07:30):
Yeah a Sunshine. I think they called me sunshine just
because anywhere I go you can't dim my light.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
You know, I can here about seven minutes and it's
already brought her right here. What about you, mos?
Speaker 3 (07:41):
Well, you know they call me moose because I eat
like one, not because I look like one, but I
like to think of a moose as a large, powerful animal.
Dare I say majestic known for its temperament. I'm a large,
powerful man, angry dunker. But after I dunk, I do
smile after a little celebration. But my teammates used to say,
(08:05):
when I was in the air, my hair look like
moose handlers. So you know, if you the more you
try to combat a nickname, the more it sticks, especially
out here.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Well, I'm very jealous of the head. As you can tell.
I couldn't get any anything closer to what you've managed
to do.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
But like channeling your inner curve, that's exactly right.
Speaker 2 (08:23):
A lot of fans will be coming along for the
first time to say the holem glob trotters. So you
know what would you decide to to really convince them to,
you know, to say, yeah, you know, I'm thinking about it.
I am gonna guy.
Speaker 3 (08:35):
Yeah, hey, hey, let me tell you I've been waiting
for this question all right, already, y'all listen up. Okay,
when you come to a Harlem glow Trotter game, you're
not just coming to a basketball game. Once again, we
are celebrating one hundred years. So this is a one
hundred year party in the making, and y'all are invited.
You're gonna see high flying dunks. You're gonna see a
(08:55):
lot of flair. I believe y'all call it minor. You're
gonna feel it floating in the building. Because we come
to party, we come to play, we come to entertain,
and we come to show off what we get. The
ball handling, the four point shots, and you know we're
gonna go in the stands. Some people might not be
as willing as others, but you're gonna get out on
that court and you never know what's gonna happen. You
(09:17):
might share a little dance with us, or you might
get hit with some water. But we can't reveal the magic.
So if you want to go no more, maybe check
a little bit on YouTube. Don't check too much because
you know you might find some things out. But we
are going to have a great time. From the smallest
kid in your family to the oldest adult. It's a
family affair. And you know today people don't even really
(09:38):
eat meals all the time together, So this is a
time when you can bring it all in one place
and we're all gonna be family and we're gonna party.
Speaker 4 (09:46):
And if you do get a chance to look us
up on YouTube and you like what you see, you
can go to HG one hundred dot com dot au
to get your tickets and come see us.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
I can see why they've sent you tube out to
promote us to up. It's obvious to me. Well, I'm
sure you'll tell you might exactly the same bot, the enthusiasm,
the energy that brought Sunshawn, it has entered the studio.
With the arrival of the two of you, I just
can't wait for the tour. Christ it's July fourteen, Wellington
July sixteen, Auckland July eighteen, Hamilton July nineteen. HG one
(10:16):
hundred dot com dot au is the website for all
of the details. Guys, what a pleasure to have you
both in the studio. I feel invigorated just being in
your company, So I can't wait for the tour.
Speaker 3 (10:26):
Jo Marna, it's the flair. It's the flair, and of
course the here well you can join our haircloth.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Okay, A delight to see you both, Thanks for stopping
and Sunshine and moves from the Harlem Globe proms. Thanks
for having HG one hundred
Speaker 1 (10:43):
Dot com dot au for more from Weekend Sport with
Jason Fine, Listen live to News Talks it B weekends
from midday, or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport Podcast with Jason Fine
from News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Treat to start us off this hour. Not just basketball players,
global entertainers, record breakers, pioneers of the game. Celebrating one
hundred years of dazzling crowds around the world, the Harlem
Globe Trotters are bringing their signature mix of skill, humor
and showmanship back to New Zealand and July. Christ Church, Wellington,
Auckland and Hamilton. Will give your ticket details at the
(00:35):
end of the chat, but right now two of the
stars are in the country spreading the word. We've got
Kaylin Sunshine West with us and Alex Moose Weeks. Good
to see you guys.
Speaker 3 (00:44):
How you doing Toyota from te fung Ui atata.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
I love it, Moose, I love it. You've only been
practicing that for the last fifteen minutes. You got it,
bang on, You got it, bang on.
Speaker 3 (00:53):
We've got big adaha for all of our fans and
our teda.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Or so good not at all, but yeah, we've got
a lot of autowhuf for you as well, a lot
of love for you guys as well. One hundred years
of Globe Trotters history, Hesspatial Sunshine is upfield to be
part of the one hundred years of this incredible organization.
Speaker 4 (01:18):
Amazing. It's like a dream, but you're walking in real life.
It feels like I'm a superwoman. You know. One hundred
years ago the Globe Trotter started, but we didn't have
any women. We didn't have any women. So a little
later and so in nineteen eighty five when we had
our first female, Lynnette Wodard, and you know, now I'm
one of six. They get to represent an organization and
just kind of show women that our little girls, that
(01:38):
we can do anything, that the sky is the limit,
you know, that we can be out there with these
guys and we can do what they do. We can
do the same tricks, the same ball handling things, shoot
the same shots, and we could do it in our
own style, our own flare, own flavor, and make it
look good too.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
What is your basketball, Jenny? How did it begin and
how did it bring you to here? It to the
Globe Trotters.
Speaker 4 (01:56):
Yes, I started playing basketball in probably about seventh grade,
and then I ended up making a career out of
that and I played five years of division and basketball
in the States. I went to Coasta, Carolina for four
years and Georgetown for a year, and then I was
the assistant director of basketball operations at Georgetown for a
year and I kind of got the chedide just wanted
to play again. So I started a train to play
(02:16):
professionally overseas, and in the midst of it, I ran
into a recruiter for the Globe Trotters who invited me
to a try out in Atlanta, Georgia. And yeah, it
obviously worked out because now here I am in New
Zealand here.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
Well, yeah, what about you tell us about your journey
to this point.
Speaker 3 (02:30):
Oh man, Well, I started off terrible. I was growing
fast and my feet were growing faster than the rest
of my body, so they called me the human room.
I tripped over my feet every time I tried to
bounce the ball. And then, you know what, I didn't
let that discourage me. So I worked and worked, and
you know, I was a top ranked player in high school.
(02:51):
Went to MTSU, which is Middle Tennessee State University, and
I played the charity game against some former Globe Charters
and NBA players. They said, hey, you need to be
with us, and you know, sixteen years later, I'm still
traveling the globe doing what I love, entertaining millions of
fans all across the globe. Have been to sixty three countries,
and you know, this year has just been an amazing
(03:12):
field with all kind of cool side quests, you know,
also like coming here to promote the upcoming tour. So
it's been a blast and a blessing to just be
a part of such a legendary organization.
Speaker 2 (03:23):
That does some travel schedule you've had, the Globe Trotters
have played an I have one hundred and twenty countries,
the ambassadors ambassadors of goodwill. I love that. I love that.
Do you feel that responsibility when you step on the court?
Speaker 4 (03:36):
Yeah, But I think that's what makes my job the
job that it is. I think that's what makes it
the best job in the world. That we're not necessarily
going out there trying to worry about if we're going
to win or lose. We know we're gonna win, just
because you know, we're the best team, you know, and
by the end of the day, we're out there to
make sure we put a smile on your face and
we leave you with the memory to walk away for.
So it's bigger than basketball. So what you know, like
(03:56):
you said, ambassadors of good will. So to be able
to do something that's like that, you know, it's like
a soul a soul feeling type type of job.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
So yeah, where does the life to keep innoviting come from?
Because you think you think you've seen it all and
then you say the holem glob trotters, and you realize
you haven't seen it all. How strong is the drive
to keep innoviting us?
Speaker 3 (04:16):
Well, you know, you've got to know your history. You
got to know where you came from to know where
you're going. So with that being said, watching all of
the greats from the past, and then you when you
come in you learn from your vets. So iron sharp
is iron. We are constantly challenging each other to do
something better than what we've done, or you know, coming
(04:37):
up with new moves, new tricks, and you know, we
put a lot of effort into practicing these things. You know,
when you see us do it, you know we're trying
to be as close to perfect as we can be.
But you don't know, we might have spent a couple
of years just perfecting one trick before we actually put
it out there in front of you fans, so you know,
this is our pride and we we really like to
(05:00):
hold that torch high and keep it going because we're
trying to set the stage for another hundred years.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
That was something I was very ca to hear about
because people see the tricks the Fine Way, turn up
and watch it, and we see the show man. It's amazing.
How to mind thing?
Speaker 4 (05:12):
Is it?
Speaker 2 (05:12):
Physically and mentally? I guess it's well to perform at
that level not after not Yeah.
Speaker 4 (05:17):
I mean, like you said, physically and demanding. It can
be tough. But what makes it worth it? What you
don't even think about in those moments because somebody's there
that night. It might be there one time where they
can see us, there one time in a lifetime where
they can see us where you don't even worry about
that ache and pain that you have going on in
your bones and your muscles. You're just going out there
and on that. When you walk through that tunnel, you're
like you're activating and you have a job to do,
(05:37):
and like you want to make sure that you do
it to your best ability, no matter how you're feeling.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
The full point shot that's become iconic a lot of
practice has to go onto that surely.
Speaker 3 (05:46):
Oh absolutely. And this day and age, you see everybody
trying to shoot the long range threes, like Steph Curry
just go ahead and step out to that four point line,
but you know it's thirty five feet away from the basket.
And the Philippine Professional League they actually have adopted the
four point line, which I think is amazing. But that
just goes to show we are still innovators of the
(06:09):
game of basketball. It started out showing you guys alley
oops and all of the trick passes and everything. And
now to see where basketball has gone and how it's
growing in New Zealand, how it's growing just all over
the world. It's a beautiful thing because you might not
speak the same language, but when you get to bounce
in that ball, or you know, especially spinning the ball
(06:30):
on a finger, you see an adult turned to a kid.
You see a kid eyes light up, and you see
the look on their parents' face like, oh man, you know,
Billy is shy and they're not. They might not want
to do and then Billy's already spending the ball on
his finger. So you know, those kind of moments are
so special to us.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
Yeah, what I mean, what a way to spend your
time and to bring such joy to people because you know,
not just basketball applies, you're entertainers as well, always aware
of the of the balance between the two things.
Speaker 4 (06:58):
Yeah, I think so, I think.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
So what do you do, like in terms of crowd
you know, crowd participation and you're happy to go in
and you're always you know, getting getting people involved.
Speaker 3 (07:10):
Is it?
Speaker 2 (07:10):
Are they normally willing participants? Like I'm along knowing that
this might be part of the deal.
Speaker 4 (07:15):
Yeah, And I think that's one of my favorite parts too.
I have a moment in the show where I get
to bring a little girl on the court and have
a little I'm not gonna tell you too much, but
I do a little special moment with her on the
court if she's brave enough, which usually they are.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
So yeah, yeah, good, sorry, Okay. Sunshine and most tell
us about the nicknames and where they came from.
Speaker 4 (07:30):
Yeah a Sunshine. I think they called me sunshine just
because anywhere I go you can't dim my light.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
You know, I can here about seven minutes and it's
already brought her right here. What about you, mos?
Speaker 3 (07:41):
Well, you know they call me moose because I eat
like one, not because I look like one, but I
like to think of a moose as a large, powerful animal.
Dare I say majestic known for its temperament. I'm a large,
powerful man, angry dunker. But after I dunk, I do
smile after a little celebration. But my teammates used to say,
(08:05):
when I was in the air, my hair look like
moose handlers. So you know, if you the more you
try to combat a nickname, the more it sticks, especially
out here.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Well, I'm very jealous of the head. As you can tell.
I couldn't get any anything closer to what you've managed
to do.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
But like channeling your inner curve, that's exactly right.
Speaker 2 (08:23):
A lot of fans will be coming along for the
first time to say the holem glob trotters. So you
know what would you decide to to really convince them to,
you know, to say, yeah, you know, I'm thinking about it.
I am gonna guy.
Speaker 3 (08:35):
Yeah, hey, hey, let me tell you I've been waiting
for this question all right, already, y'all listen up. Okay,
when you come to a Harlem glow Trotter game, you're
not just coming to a basketball game. Once again, we
are celebrating one hundred years. So this is a one
hundred year party in the making, and y'all are invited.
You're gonna see high flying dunks. You're gonna see a
(08:55):
lot of flair. I believe y'all call it minor. You're
gonna feel it floating in the building. Because we come
to party, we come to play, we come to entertain,
and we come to show off what we get. The
ball handling, the four point shots, and you know we're
gonna go in the stands. Some people might not be
as willing as others, but you're gonna get out on
that court and you never know what's gonna happen. You
(09:17):
might share a little dance with us, or you might
get hit with some water. But we can't reveal the magic.
So if you want to go no more, maybe check
a little bit on YouTube. Don't check too much because
you know you might find some things out. But we
are going to have a great time. From the smallest
kid in your family to the oldest adult. It's a
family affair. And you know today people don't even really
(09:38):
eat meals all the time together, So this is a
time when you can bring it all in one place
and we're all gonna be family and we're gonna party.
Speaker 4 (09:46):
And if you do get a chance to look us
up on YouTube and you like what you see, you
can go to HG one hundred dot com dot au
to get your tickets and come see us.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
I can see why they've sent you tube out to
promote us to up. It's obvious to me. Well, I'm
sure you'll tell you might exactly the same bot, the enthusiasm,
the energy that brought Sunshawn, it has entered the studio.
With the arrival of the two of you, I just
can't wait for the tour. Christ it's July fourteen, Wellington
July sixteen, Auckland July eighteen, Hamilton July nineteen. HG one
(10:16):
hundred dot com dot au is the website for all
of the details. Guys, what a pleasure to have you
both in the studio. I feel invigorated just being in
your company, So I can't wait for the tour.
Speaker 3 (10:26):
Jo Marna, it's the flair. It's the flair, and of
course the here well you can join our haircloth.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Okay, A delight to see you both, Thanks for stopping
and Sunshine and moves from the Harlem Globe proms. Thanks
for having HG one hundred
Speaker 1 (10:43):
Dot com dot au for more from Weekend Sport with
Jason Fine, Listen live to News Talks it B weekends
from midday, or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio
Popular Podcasts
Joy 101 with Hoda Kotb
Joy is essential. And it's also elusive. You can't order it, borrow it, or simply hope it into life. But now, there's a new and exciting way to start your journey toward a more joyful existence: The Joy 101 Podcast with Hoda! Best known for her Emmy-winning work and co-anchoring Today, Hoda Kotb infuses her authenticity, curiosity, and warmth into conversations with the world’s most fascinating people. Entertainment legends, sport icons, wellness experts, and everyday folks will share how they find, allow, and experience joy. Hoda will offer her own tips and takes on seeking a more balanced, harmonious life. If you're craving inspiration, support, and useful tools to maximize your joy, tune in to these candid, uplifting, and moving on-air chats. Joy after a breakup, joy as an empty-nester, joy after loss, joy as a caretaker — Hoda's new podcast will speak to you. Joy 101 with Hoda Kotb, an iHeartPodcast.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com