Kirk Stewart, a former basketball player in high school and college, here in New York, is returning to the area in a different uniform come February.
‘Zeus,’ as he is nicknamed, is now tossing em ‘up’ for the Harlem Globetrotters that is touring the United States. The first of the local stops at Madison Square Garden next month is on Feb. 18 with tip-off time 7:00 p.m. against the Washington Generals.
Games will continue at Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale and at the Garden for about a week.
‘Zeus’ will have plenty of friends and ex-teammates on hand to see him perform, for he played his high school ball at Springfield Gardens, Corning Community College in upstate New York, and finally at New York Institute of Technology before trying out for the Globetrotters.
Since his graduation from Tech, he worked out both on his own and with ‘outside teams.’ He even worked out for pro scouts. And he starred in leagues at different parks, playgrounds and schools such as IS 8 in Queens. He came to the Harlem Globetrotters’ training camp in 2010.
The Globetrotters liked him and he fell right into its style of play.
At Tech as a junior and then again as a senior, the 6-4 Stewart entertained the fans with his flashy play. The fans enjoyed his moves on the court.
Through 13 games this season, the Globetrotters are undefeated. The games are not about high scoring contest for a team or an individual, assisting, or rebounding, but about entertaining the spectators, making them go home raving about the great time they had. The kids really support the team and rave about the team.
A very good competitor, Zeus enjoys to dunks the ball. The crowd gets into ‘it.’ Dunking is not his only specialty, for he could almost anything on the court.
“I’m traveling all over the world, and meeting great people,” he added. I’m happy. I couldn’t ask for more (anything better). I can fill the stat sheet. We have great people (players) on our team.”
Stewart’s nickname suits him well, for he has a daily workout regimen that includes calisthenics, cardio, weight lifting, exercises to strengthen his grip, which comes in handy when he is powering his way to a slam dunk.
“I learned the value of entertainment and not only in basketball,” he recently said. “I’m dunking the ball.. Playing with the Globetrotters is morning than scoring points. And I play somewhat of a flashy game.”
He certainly excites the fans with his style of play.
“Playing for the Globetrotters is a dream come true,” he recalled. “The Globetrotters have a rich history. It is an honor to play with them.”.
‘Zeus’ mother came to America from Guyana and raised the Globetrotter rookie and his two brothers almost single handedly. She installed hard work into them.”
