Globetrotter Antigua Courts Fans at Youth Clinic

Orlando “Hurricane” Antigua knows all about overcoming adversity.

During his senior year of high school in New York, he and his family were homeless. Later, he played his first two seasons of college basketball at the University of Pittsburgh with a bullet lodged in his head, the result of a street shooting in which he was an innocent bystander.

Antigua, 24, the first Latino to join the Harlem Globetrotters, and the first non-African American on the roster since Bob Karstens in 1942-43, shared his message of inspiration Monday in a basketball clinic for youth from the Special Olympics of Orange County and students from the Anaheim Union High School District.

The event at Hope Special Education Center in Buena Park was a prelude to the premiere of the 1998 Harlem Globetrotters World Tour at the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Participants got tips on dribbling and ball-handling and lessons on the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship and staying in school. There were plenty of fancy moves, dribbling, and ball twirling, a Globetrotters’ signature.

“He taught me some neat basketball tricks,” said Nicole Nelson, 16.

When Antigua told them he’s 6-foot-7 and wears a size 14 shoe, the students began laughing and cheering.

“He’s big! He’s big!” yelled Nelson.

Letty Tiscareno, 22, beamed when Antigua gave her a hug. “I learned how to dribble today,” she said. “He’s so cute,” she added, giggling.

Lorenzo Igayac, 17, said he had already put his autographed picture of Antigua on his locker, and would keep it “forever.”

Antigua gave the youths high-fives whether they sunk baskets or not.

“It’s great being a role model, not only for Hispanics but for kids too,” Antigua said. “I’ve had obstacles in my life, but they have been nothing compared to what some of these kids have had to deal with. I like bringing smiles to their faces. It makes me feel loved.”