Friends of Basketball

Abe Saperstein

Year Inducted: 1973

Category: Friends of Basketball

Schools / Organizations: The Harlem Globetrotters

Biography: Abe Saperstein was undoubtedly one of the best known basketball figure, nationally, to come from Illinois.  The popular owner and founder of the famous Harlem Globe Trotters (from Harlem Avenue gym in Chicago), Abe has done more for the sport of basketball world-wide, than any other single person in the history of the game.  The Globe Trotters spread good will all over the world and are primarily responsible for the international interest that has been generated in the game.  Sadly, Abe passed away on March 15, 1966, but always called Chicago home.  During his lifetime, the Globetrotters’ home base was in Chicago.