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By Kid's Beat reporter Tara Collins The Harlem Wizards are one of the greatest basketball show-team organizations to ever “lace it up and let ‘em fly.” Each event at which the Harlem Wizards performs offers a rare combination of individual athleticism, teamwork, entertainment and community involvement. It is pure enjoyment for every fan in attendance.
 Featuring some of the top basketball talent in the world, the Harlem Wizards’ exciting brand of “Trick Hoopz and Alley Oops” is so engaging that after five decades they are still packing gymnasiums all across the globe with eager fans to laugh and be amazed.
Eric “Broadway” Jones has been performing as a Wizard since 1998. He was a college team captain at Urbana University as well as a World Scholar Athlete and All-American. Tara sat down with Broadway before a fundraising event on Long Island for a quick chat. TC: Where did you grow up?
EJ: I grew up in New York in the Bronx TC: Where did you go to school?
EJ: I went to Our Savior Lutheran HS and then on to Lackawanna Junior College and finished my college career at Urbana University in Ohio. TC: If you had to pick one sports role model growing up, who would it be?
EJ: Julius “Dr. J.” had a major impact on me and my game. TC: Which is your favorite college team?
EJ: St. John’s Red Storm TC: Ok, now a few really important personal questions (laughing). What is your favorite food?
EJ: I absolutely LOVE chocolate cake. TC: Ok, here’s another. What type of music and what artist is your favorite?
EJ: Well as for music, I enjoy jazz and R & B and I would have to say my favorite artist would be Mary J. Blige. TC: Back to basketball, what is the best part about being a Harlem Wizard?
EJ: I truly love and respect the game and I get to bring a lot of passion and energy to something I love to do, but I think the best thing of all is that it gives me the opportunity to be a role model for others. TC: What advice would you offer to today’s young athletes?
EJ: To succeed - education FIRST, hard work and dedication. TC: Broadway, I would like to thank you for taking time for this interview. In conclusion, if there was one thing you could say about yourself – what would it be?
EJ: If there was one thing I could have people know about me, it’s that I pride myself on being a good person first and a good basketball player second. To learn more about Broadway, the Harlem Wizards, booking information or upcoming events, visit them at www.harlemwizards.com. |
