The moment Jonte "Too Tall" Hall saw the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters perform their unique brand of basketball trickery on an episode of Scooby-Doo, he knew what he wanted to do.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Problem was, Too Tall isn't that at all.
The smallest player in the prestigious 89-year history of the Globetrotters, the 1.55-metre guard - or five feet two inches in the old language - defied the odds to showcase his talent with the greatest exhibition team on the planet.
The Globetrotters kick off their Australian tour with a show in Canberra at the AIS Arena on Wednesday night taking on their old foes, the Washington Generals.
Apart from Krusty the Clown, everyone knows the game is merely a vehicle for the Globetrotters to dazzle fans with unbelievable moves and to take basketball to a wider audience.
For Too Tall, it's also a chance to show that anyone - no matter what size they are - can live their dream.
"When I saw the cartoon Scooby-Doo, that's when I realised I wanted to be a Globetrotter," Too Tall said.
"It's a chance to inspire kids. When they see me, I give them hope, that makes my day when I'm able to do that."
Too Tall has worked hard for his opportunity.
He played alongside NBA All Star Carmelo Anthony when he was growing up on the mean streets of Baltimore.
"Baltimore is the toughest city in the world," Too Tall said.
"You've got to be a tough person mentally to survive and not get distracted with the drugs and the gangs and all that stuff. I grew up in the inner-city projects and I stayed focused.
"That came from having good parents and praying and I stayed off the streets."
After completing one year of junior college, Too Tall played for the Generals before joining the Globetrotters four years ago.
"I lot of people knew I could play, but they said I was too short and doubted me," Too Tall said.
"To see their faces now is amazing."
The Globetrotters are one of the most recognisable names in basketball.
They've played more than 20,000 exhibition games in 122 countries, becoming an icon in American culture, appearing on shows such as The Simpsons and Scooby-Doo.
"Last time we played them was five years ago and that was the last time I played with the Generals.
"You're going to see high-flying dunks, amazing dribbling and four-point shots.
"The four-point shot is 35 feet from the basket and I'm pretty good at that."
But the question is - can Too Tall dunk?
"Come to the game to see me dunk, I can get up pretty high, I've got hops," Too Tall said.
- The Harlem Globetrotters will be performing at the AIS Arena on Wednesday, 7pm. Tickets from Ticketek or at the venue.
