Former Harlem Globetrotter and basketball wizard Fred "Curly" Neal will make a special guest appearance at the National Association of Realtor® booth during the REALTORS® Conference & Expo, Nov. 7-11, at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.

Neal, known for his infectious smile and clean-shaven head, will sign autographs and greet fans at the "Rendezvous Theatre," booth #1619, courtesy of the REALTOR VIP(superscript: SM) Program, at the NAR Expo on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 1:30 pm. to 4:30 p.m.

A magical dribbler and dazzling shooter, Neal captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of basketball fans around the world in his 22 years with the Globetrotters. From 1963 to 1985, Neal traveled millions of miles, performed in 97 countries and completed more than 6,000 basketball games. He is hailed as being one of the purest shooters every to play basketball, and had a knack for hitting shots from beyond midcourt.

"It's a thrill to once again be a part of the NAR convention. I look forward to meeting everyone, signing autographs and performing some of my tricks. I may even challenge some of the attendees to a spinning contest!" Neal said.

A graduate of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C., where he averaged 31 points a game, Neal led this team to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title his senior year. He received a bachelor of science degree in physical education in 1963 and signed with the Globetrotters. He is a native of Greensboro, N.C., where he had an outstanding high school career.

Neal was presented with the Globetrotters "Legends" ring in 1993.

Since his retirement, Neal has made guest appearances on more than two dozen television shows, plus several talk shows, and has made numerous TV commercials. He also played a starring role as Supertrotter on the Harlem Globetrotters Popcorn Machine, a TV series that aired from 1973 to 1974.

An avid golfer, Neal is a member of the Celebrity Golf Association and plays in charitable golf tournaments around the country. The father of five children, Neal now resides in Oviedo, Fla., with his wife, Rose.

The National Association of Realtors®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing more than 800,000 members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Published: October 28, 2002

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