As the Harlem Globetrotters continue to tour and entertain new generations, wouldn’t it be fitting — and long overdue — for Ritchie Nichol to finally receive his place in the official story?

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By Curtis Phillips

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On Jan. 7, 1927, the New York Harlem Globe Trotters, later shortened to the more familiar Harlem Globetrotters, debuted in Hinckley, Illinois.

On Jan. 6 and 7, 2026, they will showcase their comedy skills at Brandt Centre in Regina and the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon.

Off the bench in that first game was a Jewish immigrant named Abe Saperstein, the founder, coach and owner.

He would be the first white player to wear the candy-striped shorts and famous blue jersey with the vertically arched “Harlem” and four stars.

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Over time, more than 750 men and women would lace up sneakers for