Meadowlark Lemon, the famed hoops entertainer who thrilled audiences for decades with his passing wizardry, long-range hook shots, and amusing on-court hijinks for the renowned travelling basketball ensemble the Harlem Globetrotters, passed away on Sunday at the age of 83.
Lemon’s death was announced by the Globetrotters on Twitter:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Meadowlark Lemon. He was 83. #RIPMeadowlark pic.twitter.com/tCRWkZUD3h
— Harlem Globetrotters (@Globies) December 28, 2015
Endearingly nicknamed “The Clown Prince of Basketball,” Lemon toured with the team for over 26 seasons, appearing in more than 16,000 games. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.
Lemon’s showmanship elevated the game of basketball to a performance art just as the NBA was getting its legs underneath it, inspiring entire generations of future hardwoods virtuosos to come.
WATCH: Thanks for the memories, Meadowlark.
https://t.co/V38ZIWgtRQ
— Harlem Globetrotters (@Globies) December 28, 2015
Tributes came flooding in from the NBA community soon after news of Lemon’s passing broke.
Was a privilege to be inducted into #HOF with @meadowlarkL in 2003. My last moment with him this past September. RIP pic.twitter.com/rdd5IaZQeF
— James Worthy (@JamesWorthy42) December 28, 2015
I wanted to meet Meadowlark Lemon this summer at an event, so glad Tori volunteered me to play PIG with him. RIP! pic.twitter.com/3iaQeXBja2
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) December 28, 2015
RIP Meadowlark Lemon your friendship,knowledge and wisdom will be missed my friend.
— Isiah Thomas (@iamisiahthomas) December 28, 2015
The Great Meadowlark Lemon of the legendary Harlem Globetrotters dies at 83. Rest In Basketball Heaven Sir! pic.twitter.com/X8BXKLxiV9
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) December 28, 2015
Out of a basketball circus, Lemon blazed a trail of basketball genius, and his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.
