Hunter Wilson/Daily NewsChildren at the Boys & Girls Club cheer after Blakes hits a half-court shot Friday. The Globetrotters and Spalding, the team’s official basketball supplier, donated 150 tickets to the club so the children can see the Globetrotters perform at E.A. Diddle Arena on Jan. 11.

Upon his arrival, Anthony Blakes baited the children at the Boys & Girls Club of Bowling Green into a listening game, telling them to clap once when he said and to clap twice when he said.

“From then on, he had them hooked,” said Pam McIntyre, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club.

On Jan. 11, the Harlem Globetrotters will bring their 2010 “Magical Memories” World Tour to E.A. Diddle Arena and Blakes – known as “Buckets” – made his way around Bowling Green on Friday to promote it.

But his visit to the Boys & Girls Club was about more than just promotion. The Harlem Globetrotters and Spalding, the team’s official basketball supplier, donated 150 tickets to the club, giving the kids there an opportunity to see the basketball team that has entertained audiences for 84 years with comedy and eye-catching trick shots.

“We wanted to do something nice for the community,” said Paul Sullivan, director of marketing for Spalding.

McIntyre said they will make sure the children at the center Friday will have transportation to the game Jan. 11.

“This is giving them the opportunity to see the players, to go to the game and be recognized by the community,” she said. “This was a surprise for them … a Christmas present to them.”

Inside the club’s gymnasium, the children centered their attention on Blakes, watching him display his basketball skills, which earned him his nickname and a spot on the team.

“He’s a good player, and he’s good at tricks,” said Coty Tomes, 7. “My favorite part is when he spins the basketball on his fingers.”

Jasamine Meeks’ favorite part was whenever Blakes threw the ball at the basket.

“It was funny how he’d throw it,” said Jasamine, 11.

Jasamine said she thought it was cool that Blakes came to the center to talk with them.

“He used to go to a Boys & Girls Club too, just like us,” she said.

Blakes also spoke to the children about the history of the team – its humble beginnings in Chicago under Abe Saperstein, owner and coach of the Savoy Big Five, which became known as the Harlem Globetrotters. He spoke to them about obstacles the team faced and how it broke down racial barriers.

“I thought it was important for them to know,” Blakes said.

Blakes, after his show and tell, signed autographed pictures of the Globetrotters and took pictures with children, like 5-year-old Deandre Wilson, whose eyes widened as Blakes spun the basketball and transferred it to his little index finger.

“That was cool,” Deandre said, holding up his finger.

A native of Phoenix, Blakes said he grew up in the projects, and behind his home was a Boys & Girls Club that he went to. He said it was important for him to come.

“I am a product of the Boys & Girls Club,” he said. “It provides kids with the opportunity to involuntarily develop life skills.”

Before leaving, Blakes showed some of his teammates’ trick shots.

“I take a little from each teammate and put my own spin on it,” he said.

Spalding is now a Bowling Green-based company under parent company Fruit of the Loom, Sullivan said. With a long-standing history in Bowling Green, he said, Fruit of the Loom wanted to give something back.

“We wanted to make sure all the boys and girls here could attend the game … be part of the game,” Sullivan said. “And the Globetrotters are great family entertainment.”