Hubert 'Geese' Ausbie, Harlem Globetrotters Legend, Dies at 88

A Life of Athletic Excellence

Hubert 'Geese' Ausbie, the iconic basketball showman and long-time star of the Harlem Globetrotters, died on 2026-11-08 at the age of 88. Known globally as the Clown Prince of Basketball, Ausbie brought joy to millions of fans through his unique blend of elite athleticism and comedic timing. His passing was confirmed by team officials, marking the end of a storied life that began in Crescent, Oklahoma.

Born on 1938-04-25 to Bishop and Nancy Ausbie, Hubert was the youngest of eight children. He excelled in multiple sports during his youth, including baseball, tennis, and track, but found his greatest success on the basketball court. At Douglas High School in Crescent, he led his team to four consecutive Oklahoma state championships and once famously scored 70 points in a single game.

College Career and Professional Beginnings

Following his high school graduation in 1956, Ausbie accepted a basketball scholarship to Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. He chose the institution partly because his brother, Attaway, was already enrolled there. During his senior year, he earned All-American honors and finished as the third-leading scorer in the nation, averaging 30 points per game.

Despite receiving professional offers from the Chicago Cubs in baseball and NBA teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Ausbie pursued a different path. In 1961, he attended an open tryout for the Harlem Globetrotters in Chicago. Out of more than 500 hopefuls, he was selected to join the team, beginning a remarkable 24-year career that would take him to over 100 countries.

The Clown Prince of Basketball

As a member of the Harlem Globetrotters, Ausbie became one of the most recognizable figures in sports history. He earned the nickname Geese to distinguish himself from the legendary Reece Goose Tatum. Alongside teammates like Meadowlark Lemon and Curly Neal, he helped define the team's golden era of televised entertainment and global outreach.

Ausbie took over as the team's lead entertainer in 1978, a role he held until his retirement from professional play in 1985. His work extended beyond the court into popular culture, including appearances on ABC's Wide World of Sports and the children's program The Harlem Globetrotters Popcorn Machine. He also co-starred in the television movie The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island.

Personal Life and Lasting Legacy

Ausbie met his wife, Awilda Lee, while attending Philander Smith College, and the couple eventually settled in Little Rock. Together, they raised four children while Ausbie remained deeply involved in his community. He dedicated much of his post-playing career to mentoring youth through programs such as the Drug-Free Youth Program and helping to found the Oklahoma Sports Heritage Museum.

In recognition of his contributions, the Harlem Globetrotters retired his No. 35 jersey during a 2017 ceremony at what is now Simmons Bank Arena. He was also inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. His legacy remains one of kindness, community service, and an unquenchable desire to make the world a better place through the power of a smile.