The Heart of the Legacy: Lucius ‘Too Tall’ Winston on 100 Years of Harlem Globetrotters Joy
The Black Media Matters Studio was electric last week as Harlem Globetrotter Lucius "Too Tall" Winston joined host Besa Gordon for an in-depth conversation on Almost the Weekend! Beyond the mesmerizing tricks and signature dribbles, Too Tall offered profound insights into the Globetrotters' upcoming 2026 centennial tour, the team's unparalleled legacy, and the deep personal motivation that fuels him both on and off the court.
Lucius “Too Tall” Winston poses in the Black Media Matters Studio last week on Almost The Weekend. (Photo: Erik Kalligraphy)
Honoring the Lineage
As the team approaches its 100th anniversary, Too Tall expressed immense gratitude and humility for his place in the organization's storied history.
"Just to be a part of that lineage, to be a part of this legacy, to hear all the things that they had to endure for me to sit here in this seat today... is definitely humbling," Winston shared.
He affirmed that wearing the iconic uniform is a commitment not only to his family but to the giants who preceded him, specifically calling out the trailblazing Lynette Woodard, the first woman to officially play for the Globetrotters.
The team’s history is intimately linked with the cultural fabric of the Pacific Northwest. Seattle’s own Joyce Walker, a powerhouse guard who graduated from Garfield High School in 1980 after leading her team to a state title, made history as only the third woman to ever join the Globetrotters. This connection underscores that the Globetrotters are not just a team; they are an institution celebrated across generations in the Seattle Black community.
Lucius “Too Tall” Winston (left) poses with Besa Gordon (right) in the Black Media Matters Studio last week on Almost The Weekend. (Photo: Erik Kalligraphy)
A Dream Manifested Through Basketball
Winston’s journey to becoming a Globetrotter was rooted in a childhood prayer. "A prayer I used to say was ‘just let a basketball take me places I never thought I would go,’" he recalled. This deep love for the game began at age three, watching his father, Hall Winston, and his older brothers play—a devotion so intense that he slept with his basketball throughout middle and high school. A chance meeting in 2017 led to a successful trial, turning a lifelong dream into a global mission.
Lucius “Too Tall” Winston poses in the Black Media Matters Studio last week on Almost The Weekend. (Photo: Erik Kalligraphy)
The Mission: Spreading Authentic Joy
The conversation pivoted powerfully from dazzling moves to the team's enduring commitment to community. Too Tall passionately highlighted the importance of the Globetrotters' outreach programs, emphasizing that their longevity is rooted in genuine care for the communities they visit.
"To be able to go in these hospital rooms and these schools and try to inspire kids to just put smiles on their faces is very humbling," he said. "I think people really believe that we actually care for the communities everywhere that we go.”
Defining the Globetrotter Experience
For Too Tall, the essence of the Globetrotter experience is fan interaction and providing a temporary escape. His advice to all attendees is simple yet profound: "Whatever problems that you have going on in the world, leave those at the door."
The team operates on a powerful mantra: "We'll never know if this is a fan's first time coming or if their last time coming, but if it is their last time, let's make it their best time they've ever been.”
Legacy and Heartfelt Milestones
Winston's seven Guinness World Records are a testament to his supreme skill, but the record he cherishes most is the one he achieved for his late father: the most two-ball bounces with one hand in one minute (310 dribbles).
His most memorable fan moment, however, was far more personal: helping a child in a wheelchair spin a basketball on his finger during a post-game session. "I put his finger up there and he spun the ball and he would just succumb with joy," he recounted. "I'm just happy to make somebody else's dream come true."
Experience the Magic in the Pacific Northwest
Don't miss the celebration when the Harlem Globetrotters return to the region in 2026:
Sunday, January 25: Angel Of The Winds Arena in Everett
Friday, January 30: ShoWare Center in Kent
Sunday, February 1: Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle
Catch Almost The Weekend! Thursdays at 9 p.m. on all Converge Media streaming platforms.
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