The Marseillaise: How did you join the Harlem Globetrotters?
Arysia Porter: After high school and college, I went to play in Mexico for about a month. I was planning to try my luck in the WNBA, the major league in the United States. But before that, I got a call from the then Harlem Globetrotters; They told my agent that they loved my videos because I was posting basketball videos online, especially on my social media. They told me they loved the way I handle the ball and my personality, because I have a bit of a goofy side and I like to spread joy as much as possible. When I took the test, I said to myself that it perfectly suited my goal: to travel the world and share joy, happiness and laughter through the sport I love. It was the best of both worlds.
You are currently one of only six women to wear the jersey of this legendary team. Did you have difficulty being accepted in this very masculine environment?
AP: When I first became interested in basketball, there weren’t many girls in my neighborhood who played it. I played especially with the boys and I liked to show them what I was capable of. From a very young age, I managed to earn their respect and show them that, contrary to what people might believe, I could beat them soundly. Today, I want to be a role model for other women and little girls growing up, to show them that if you give yourself the means and believe in yourself, you can do anything you want. In line with what Lynette Woodard, the first woman to be part of the Harlem Globetrotters, did in 1985.
How do you describe the vision of the Harlem Globetrotters?
AP: This team has always been full of innovators and pioneers. This is how the expression “goodwill ambassadors” was born, thanks to our impact and our ability to travel around the world to spread joy and good humor, and bring people together. Even if you don’t know much about basketball, we present it in such a simple way that no matter your age, you can understand our style. And I think that this legacy, we try to perpetuate it.
This team was also a source of inspiration for the African-American community…
AP: I think we set the tone, we raised the bar and we broke down racial barriers. In 1948, Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton was the first African-American to join the NBA. And that was because we beat the Minnesota Lakers twice at the time. And that allowed us to reach a level of excellence, an exceptional professional level. And it gave a real boost, it transformed things into something much bigger.
You live in San Antonio, the city in which Victor Wembanyama plays. A word about him?
AP: I think he’s one of the greatest players of all time. And here in San Antonio they really like him, his style of play is incredible. He’s already an elite player, he’s looking to find his rhythm. I see him very often because I have worked for Spurs for nine years. This is my second job, actually. We’re taking full advantage of him, that’s for sure, and we hope he feels right at home here in San Antonio. He’s really great.
