About The Harlem Wizards

More than 60 years of worldwide basketball wizardry.

In 1962, New York sports promoter Howie Davis first envisioned a show and organization that would put a different spin on show basketball. The Wizards are a show basketball entity delivering wildly successful fundraiser events for schools and nonprofits, last season alone playing in over 450 communities across the USA, while raising more than $3 million for schools and non-profits.

What makes a Wizards show “awe-inspiring” or as the kids and teens say, “off the hizzle?”  Some say it’s the oohs and aahs created by the thunderous, sky-high slams. For others it’s the humor and seeing the teachers being good sports and having fun on the court with the Wizards. The comedy, the audience participation, the spontaneity delivered as a world class show, in an intimate and community setting adds up to a night to be experienced and treasured.

The Wizards roster is full of amazing hoop talent. The Wizards have three units that crisscross the USA, with Eric “Broadway” Jones, and Dwayne “Swoop” Simpson, both former Globetrotter showmen, as well as the dynamic duo of David “DP” Paul and “King Arthur” Lewis a former Academic All-American at Bowie State University.

The star-studded, experienced roster includes Arnold “A-Train” Bernard, an accomplished trickster and a veteran of 7 years with the Globetrotters. Add in James “The Roadrunner” Tyndal who is fast enough to dribble thru New York City traffic, and Devon “Livewire” Curry who led his team to become the FIBA 3 on 3 US championship.

The slams come at rapid fire pace in the Wizards show. The roster features Lemarvon “Showtime” Jackson, the Wizards training camp slam-dunk champion. Add in veteran Leon “Space Jam” Sewell along with rookie sensation Jordan “Flight” Southerland who both competed in the Sprite Slam Dunk contest during the 2015 NBA All-Star week in New York. Roscoe “Sarge” Johnson’s 360 backboard shattering dunk in a Wizards game was shown on ESPN’s dunks of the week online and has had over a hundred thousand views.

The Harlem Wizards is proud to support our official charity partner, the Dream Factory!

The Dream Factory grants dreams to critically and chronically ill children from the ages of three through eighteen.

They are the largest children’s wish-granting organization that does not limit its mission to children who have life-threatening illness. The Dream Factory believes children with chronic illnesses and disorders also suffer from substantial emotional and physical pain. They strive to provide hope and relief from the trauma and corresponding stress and depression that both the children and their families can endure on a day-to-day basis. Doctors agree that providing a dream can improve the quality of life for these children and extend the life of a critically ill child.

Read more about their mission.

Recent Wizards News

Listen to a podcast with Wizards president about the Wizards and his life journey

Wizards president Todd Davis sat down with "Imagine Fitting In" podcaster and wellness coach Greg A Jankowski to talk about his love of basketball, his life in the sport, and his connection to his history with the Harlem Wizards organization, and the lessons he learned along the way. Listen on Spotify below:
Published: September 16, 2024

Eric "Broadway" Jones profiled in new documentary; interviewed by Scranton, Pa. Times-Tribune

Scranton, Pa. Times-Tribune columnist Chris Kelly interviewed Eric "Broadway" Jones when the Wizard visiting the city in which he first started playing basketball: Read more at the Scranton Times-Tribune
Published: March 25, 2024

CBS Pittsburgh reporter Katie O'Malley hangs with the Wizards

Katie O'Malley from KDKA CBS Pittsburgh was at Penn Hills High School March 6 to learn about the "Hoop For Peace" basketball game between the Harlem Wizards and the Penn Hills coaches, teachers and staff. Check out the video, which features an interview with Penn Hills alumnus Gerald "Skywalker" Warrick!
Published: March 7, 2024

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