The Harlem Globetrotters, the world-famous group of basketball showmen, are coming to Baton Rouge this Sunday.
In addition to putting on shows in which they play and defeat the Washington Generals, the Globetrotters also travel to various cities and donate money and time to many charities and schools.
On March 9 Otis Key, an eight-year team veteran, came to Capitol Middle School to speak to students about work ethic, dedication and the Harlem Globetrotters.
After his performance, Key took a few minutes to answer questions about the Globetrotter lifestyle.
Zachary Broussard: How did you get involved with the Globetrotters?
Otis Key: I was recruited out of college. I was playing in an all-star game in Atlanta, and the Globetrotters recruited me from there.
ZB: Have you always played basketball?
OK: I was actually a baseball player first, but I had a growth spurt and gave up baseball.
ZB: What is your favorite part of being on the team?
OK: Probably the travel.
ZB: And your least favorite part?
OK: Probably the travel.
ZB: What do you miss most about home when you are traveling?
OK: Sleeping in my own bed.
ZB: What is your favorite city to play in?
OK: Miami.
ZB: Do you ever feel bad for the Generals?
OK: Not at all. You know, those guys have a great opportunity when you look at it. Yeah, they lose every night, but those guys travel around the world, see things that someone else playing on another team may not get a chance to see. And, to say that they played against the Globetrotters, which is world-renowned and just has such respect from the people the world over. No, I think it is a true pleasure.
ZB: What is your pre-game ritual?
OK: I like to get to the gym; I like to find every nook and cranny in the gym, it just makes me feel better. Once I am dressed, I usually go outside and just hang out and loosen up, and then I am ready to hit the court.
ZB: What is your signature trick?
OK: Probably the hook shot — from half-court.
ZB: Do you guys ever recruit from the Generals?
OK: You know, sometimes in a very rare instance, there is a player there that is just extraordinary and we do pick them up.
ZB: What did you want to be when you were a little kid?
OK: An astronomer.
ZB: What’s your favorite meal to cook?
OK: It depends on who I’m cooking it for. If I have a date, I’m going to go all out and try to impress her. But mostly pasta.
ZB: What’s your favorite movie?
OK: “The Five Heartbeats.”
ZB: What are you reading right now?
OK: The book version of “Hotel Rwanda.”
ZB: Which cartoon character are you?
OK: I’d probably say Voltron. By myself I hold my own, but when I combine with my teammates, it’s a pretty impressive and dominant force.
ZB: What super powers do you have?
OK: I think I have the ability to change people’s minds. The ability to control the situation, have an outcome that I want.
ZB: What TV show do you watch but would never admit to watching?
OK: (laughing) Probably “Will and Grace.”
ZB: What makes you laugh?
OK: Man, anything. I’m a jovial person by nature, so anything cracks me up.
ZB: What makes you cry?
OK: Probably a chick flick.
ZB: What scares you?
OK: Nothing. Well, the dark sometimes.
ZB: What’s your theme song?
OK: “Sweet Georgia Brown.”
ZB: Who’s your favorite athlete of all time?
OK: I’d have to say Scottie Pippen.
ZB: Would you rather watch college or pro sports, and why?
OK:  College. The passion, the intensity all the time, and just the overall excitement. The guys are excited to be out there on the court.
ZB: Who’s your favorite sportscaster?
OK: Marv Albert, he’s a legend. He’s the best.
ZB: How would you improve or change the game of basketball?
OK: I would improve it, I think, by making guys have to work on their skills, the fundamentals. Being able to shoot, being able to pass, being able to execute, if you can’t do that, you should be penalized.
ZB: If you could play any historical figure in a one-on-one, street rules game, who would you pick?
OK: Well, I’m not going to say Jesus, because he would win that in a landslide (laughing). I don’t know, being myself, I think I would like to match up against Dr. [Martin Luther] King. I think we’d have a lot to talk about. Either him or Jackie Robinson.
ZB: What’s your proudest accomplishment?
OK: My college degree.