Hubert “Geese” Ausbie, the legendary Harlem Globetrotter known worldwide as the “Clown Prince of Basketball,” has died at age 88, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in professional basketball, entertainment, and Arkansas sports history.
The Harlem Globetrotters announced his passing Monday, November 9, 2026, remembering Ausbie as one of the most influential performers in the organization’s history.
For more than 2 decades, Ausbie entertained millions of basketball fans with his extraordinary ball-handling abilities, humor, and unforgettable personality.
Although born April 25, 1938, in Crescent, Oklahoma, Ausbie developed deep connections to Arkansas that would help shape his basketball career and his lasting legacy.
From Philander Smith College to International Stardom
After graduating from high school in 1956, Ausbie accepted a basketball scholarship to Philander Smith College in Little Rock, now known as Philander Smith University.
His older brother was already attending the school, and Ausbie quickly became one of the college’s most celebrated athletes.
During the 1959-1960 basketball season, he earned all-conference and All-American recognition and finished as the nation’s 3rd-leading college basketball scorer.
His remarkable ability attracted attention from professional basketball organizations, including NBA teams. He also received an opportunity to pursue professional baseball with the Chicago Cubs.
However, Ausbie chose a different direction that would eventually make him internationally famous.
In 1961, he earned a position with the Harlem Globetrotters after participating in an open tryout involving more than 500 players.
That decision launched a 24-year playing career that would take him to more than 100 countries.
Becoming the Clown Prince of Basketball
Ausbie’s combination of basketball talent, comedy, and audience interaction made him one of the Globetrotters’ most recognizable performers.
His energetic routines and exceptional ball-handling skills helped introduce generations of families to the team’s unique brand of sports entertainment.
In 1978, following the departure of fellow Globetrotters legend Meadowlark Lemon, Ausbie became the team’s lead entertainer.
His nickname also reflected an important connection to another famous basketball player with Arkansas ties.
Ausbie had been known as “Goose” while growing up, but the Globetrotters already had a celebrated performer named Reece “Goose” Tatum, who was from El Dorado, Arkansas.
As a result, Ausbie became known as “Geese,” a nickname that followed him throughout his career.
A Star on Television and Around the World
Ausbie’s popularity extended far beyond basketball arenas.
During the 1970s, the Harlem Globetrotters became familiar faces on American television through animated programs, appearances with Scooby-Doo, and other entertainment productions.
Ausbie was featured in the team’s animated television programs, including The Super Globetrotters, where he appeared as the superhero Multi Man.
Those appearances helped introduce the Globetrotters to young viewers across the country and made Ausbie part of American television history.
Arkansas Recognizes a Basketball Legend
Ausbie retired as a Globetrotters player in 1985 after 24 years with the organization. He later returned as a coach in 1995.
His accomplishments earned numerous honors, including induction into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 1995.
He also received the Harlem Globetrotters’ Legends Ring in 1994.
One of his most memorable Arkansas honors came January 31, 2017, when the Harlem Globetrotters officially retired his No. 35 jersey during a halftime ceremony at what is now Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock.
Later in 2017, he was inducted into the inaugural Panthers Hall of Fame class at Philander Smith College, recognizing the institution where his basketball success first attracted national attention.
A Legacy Beyond Basketball
Away from the basketball court, Ausbie remained closely connected to the Little Rock community.
He devoted time to mentoring young people and participating in community outreach initiatives, including drug-prevention efforts.
His dedication to encouraging young people reflected his belief that the influence of a professional athlete should extend beyond entertainment and competition.
The Harlem Globetrotters remembered Ausbie as a performer whose talent, personality, and commitment to others helped establish standards that future generations of players would follow.
Ausbie’s passing comes during the Globetrotters’ 100th anniversary year, adding special significance to the remembrance of a player who helped shape the team’s identity.
For Arkansas, Hubert “Geese” Ausbie will be remembered as a Philander Smith basketball standout who became an international sports entertainer while maintaining his connection to the state.
For generations of basketball fans around the world, he will be remembered for his incredible skills, unforgettable humor, and the smiles he brought to millions.
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