Richardson joins Globetrotters

South Philadelphia native and former NBA player Jerome "Pooh" Richardson joined the Harlem Globetrotters’ front office this month to assist the basketball team with scouting, coaching and player development. One of his first assignments will be to evaluate more than 40 players at a Globetrotters camp Oct. 1.

Richardson, an All-City guard at Ben Franklin High, scored 17 points to lead his squad to a 53-49 win over Murrell Dobbins Tech in the 1984 Public League championship game. The athlete went on to play three seasons at UCLA before becoming the Minnesota Timberwolves’ first-ever draft pick in 1989.

During his nine-year NBA career, the point guard also played for the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Clippers. He is the Timberwolves’ all-time leader in assists with 1,973.

"I have known Pooh for many years and his background and knowledge would be an asset to any organization," Globetrotters owner and chairman Mannie Jackson stated in a release. "He has prepared himself well for the next phase of his career and is a great example for the younger players of today."