Basketball is the nation's fastest growing sport and businesses have been quick to spot the trend and capitalize on it -- which is one reason the Harlem Wizards are coming to Taiwan.
Attempting to catch a ride on the long-lived Harlem Globetrotters gravytrain, the Wizards are a "professional entertainment" basketball team.
They have been hired by a coalition of manufacturers to play competitive and freestyle games against local competition around the island at the beginning of next year.
After the disappointment of the NBA All-Star tour to Taiwan being canceled in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, the Wizards' should provide starved fans the chance to catch some prime, live US basketball action.
Started in 1962 by New York sports promoter Howie Davis, the Wizards have played over 5,000 games on five continents.
According to promoters, the Wizards are "second only to the Harlem Globetrotters and teams within the NBA in terms of attendance numbers and longevity."
The team comprises an assortment of former college players, ex-NBA star Randolph Keys and freestyle ad veterans James William, Chris Franklin, and Luis Dasilva Jr.
The Harlem Globetrotters, in contrast, was founded by Abe Saperstein in 1926 and have played over 20,000 games, a feat unmatched by any other professional sports club.
The Wizards underline the fact they do not play the same team every night (like the Globetrotters) and say their matches are not fixed.
Which is a surprising claim considering they have not lost a game since 1991 and boast a string of victories that now exceed 1,000.
Sport and entertainment is guaranteed when the Wizards come to town, the organizers said.
There will be a series of promotional events in malls throughout the land starting this Saturday at the Treasure Island Mall in Kaohsiung.
Basketball fans are encouraged to get on down, strut their stuff and win prizes.
Selena, Hebe and Ella from domestic glamor-girl group SHE have also been rounded up to boost the events.
The format for the games will be loud hip hop music, interspersed with popping dancers and organized and pick-up games against local All-star teams.
The Wizards' actual games will be on Jan. 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, and Feb. 2 next year.
Prices for tickets will range from NT$280 to NT$800. Call (0951 086 688) for further information.
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