Harlem Globetrotters make special visit to Lake Lynn Community Center in Raleigh

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Since 1926, the Harlem Globetrotters have prided themselves on being the most entertaining basketball team in the world. Yet their purpose is greater than just putting a ball through the hoop.

"Knowing that I can put a smile on your face. That makes my heart melt," Globetrotter Joey "Hot Rod" De La Rosa said.

That's why the team spends a lot of time giving back to countless youth sports organizations. One outreach effort took place April 4 at Lake Lynn Community Center; there the Globetrotters held a two-hour basketball clinic.

The clinics give children a chance to meet the team's stars in person, something that could inspire them to pursue their dreams on and off the court.

It's an outreach effort that hits home for De Le Rosa. His first Globetrotters experience came when he was a 9-year-old boy living in the Bronx.

"They was doing the tricks -- the same tricks we do -- the dunks, the passes. In that moment, something sparked in me. They inspired me to play the game of basketball," said De La Rosa.

The Globetrotter's goal is to inspire, teach basketball and spread a lot of smiles.

"We're going to teach them about effort and finding your passion. We're going to tell them our story. How we failed at basketball over and over but we never gave up on our dream," Globetrotter Shane "Scooter" Christensen said.

More than 100 kids left the Raleigh gym Tuesday having scored more than just a lesson about basketball.

"Knowing we have the opportunity to change somebody's life through a smile speaks volumes," said Christensen.

The Harlem Globetrotters will be back in Raleigh on April 16 for a live performance at PNC arena. For ticketing information, click here.