Harlem Rockets Comedy Basketball

THE HARLEM ROCKETS HISTORY

The Harlem Rockets were formed in August 1993, by Brig. General (Ret.) George Mitchell who had worked for the Harlem Magicians for several years. In the summer of 1993 he formed his own team.  Two players for the Magicians also joined Mitchell in the formation of The Harlem Rockets.  These ex-Magicians were none other than Captain “Magic” Valentino Willis, and Connecticut’s own Tracy Liss, the dynamic shooting star from Danielson (who still holds the Connecticut Scholastic scoring record.)

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Captain Valentino and Tracy Liss held tryouts in Boston, Providence and the Hartford area.  From over 100 participants, they selected six additional players.

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In the spring of 1996 Mitchell felt that there should be  change in the dynamics of the team and the show.  He replaced Captain Valentino Willis with two outstanding comedians, Sayeed “Rainbow” Muntaqim and “Jammin” Jay Griffin.  These two comedians were free agents from the Harlem Wizards, and approached Mitchell with their agent and asked to join The Harlem Rockets.

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The Harlem Rockets Basketball Team appeared on ABC-TV “Good Morning America”, and were also featured several times on NESN-TV.  In addition, they have appeared on several other TV and Radio sports talk shows.

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Veteran players still with The Harlem Rockets are:

• Sayeed “Rainbow” Muntaqim, King of Comedy Basketball

• Johnny "Magic" Dadzie who starred at Southern Illinois University.

• Ricky “Rim Rocker” Lopes 7’2” from New Haven, CT, who played at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA.

Newcomers to The Harlem Rockets are:

• Kevin "Showboat" Jackson who played at Loyola Marymount University in California.

• Brenden "Grasshopper" Floyd outstanding player from Central Connecticut State University

• Donnie "Dangerous" Seale 6'5" who starred at North Carolina State University.

• Rick "Mr. Excitement" Micken 6'4" who starred at Central Connecticut University.

All the players were outstanding players at Division One colleges, and also performed professionally overseas.  Incidentally, some of the players had try outs with various NBA teams.  There is also a possiblity that some players may be called up by some of the NBA teams.

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The Harlem Rockets are undefeated with over 1400 wins in the past nine years.  The Rockets always play against the local competition, along with their referees and there is a possibility that we could lose a game or two.  The mission of The Harlem Rockets, win or lose, is to put on a good show.  The Rockets are known as an outstanding family show with direct audience participation.

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In addition to entertaining the fans, night after night, the players visit the schools during the day to deliver to the students an educational message about staying in school, furthering their education, dangers of drug and alcohol, peer pressure, building self esteem, and lastly, the players present their basketball handling skills, etc.

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In closing, the players exemplify what they preach, and furthermore, set a good example on and off the court.  If you are fortunate to book The Harlem Rockets, we guarantee an outstanding show of razzmatazz basketball, COMEDY BASKETBALL AT ITS BEST.