Little Rock, Ark. – The city is grieving the loss of one of its most beloved figures, former Harlem Globetrotters star and coach Hubert “Geese” Ausbie, who died at age 88. Ausbie, a native of Oklahoma who made his home in Little Rock after graduating from Philander Smith College, was celebrated both for his dazzling basketball performances and his steadfast Christian service.
Basketball legacy
Ausbie joined the Globetrotters in 1958, a year after earning his degree. Known as the “Clown Prince of Basketball,” he combined athletic skill with comedy, delighting crowds worldwide. He retired from the touring team in 1985, but his influence continued as he coached future Globetrotters, including Curley “Boo” Johnson and Herb “Flight Time” Long. Johnson recalled, “I’ve known Geese my entire life. My dad was affiliated with the Trotters, and he and Geese were friends…then later on, he became my coach with the Trotters, so it was very special.” Long remembered Ausbie’s humor on his first day, noting the coach’s playful remark about buying a ticket for the fun he was having.
The Globetrotters honored his contributions by retiring his No. 35 jersey in 2017, making him one of only eight players in the team’s century‑long history to receive that distinction. Former team communications staffer Brett Meister said, “The Globetrotters are in their 100th year of existence, and he’s one of only eight players in the history of the Globetrotters to have his jersey retired.”
Faith and community service
Beyond the court, Ausbie was a devoted deacon at Greater Archview Baptist Church in Little Rock. Pastor Kenneth Martin described him as the “Gospel Globetrotter,” noting that Ausbie used his travels to spread the gospel alongside his entertaining performances. “I call him the gospel globetrotter because that’s basically the role that he fulfilled…spreading the gospel,” Martin said.
His impact on the community extended to numerous charitable appearances, youth mentorship programs, and speaking engagements that emphasized faith, family, and perseverance. Former teammate Curley Johnson summed up Ausbie’s influence: “He made millions of people smile. He made them happy. That’s who he was. I happen to be one of those many millions, and I got to know them. I got to love them. I miss him.”
Honors and lasting influence
Ausbie’s contributions to Arkansas sports were recognized with his induction into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 1995. The Globetrotters issued a statement calling him a “true Global Ambassador” who combined showmanship, athleticism, and social impact.
As Little Rock residents reflect on his life, many note that Ausbie embodied the city’s values of faith, family, and community service. His legacy lives on in the smiles he inspired on the court, the lives he touched through his ministry, and the countless young athletes who look to his example of joy‑filled dedication.
Remembering a legend
Friends, former teammates, and church members are gathering for a memorial service at Greater Archview Baptist Church later this week. In keeping with Ausbie’s own words from an archived interview, “When I was growing up in Oklahoma and here in Arkansas, I always admired the people,” the community plans to honor his memory with a celebration of life that reflects the same admiration he held for those around him.
Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.
