Harlem Wizards to return for Harthorne Wingo benefit game

Published 1:17 pm Thursday, January 16, 2020

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The Harlem Wizards will make a return trip to the area in February to take part in a benefit game for former NBA player and Tryon native Harthorne Wingo.

The Wizards, the legendary New York City-based basketball entertainment group, will appear February 16 at Landrum High School. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., with game action beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Wingo, a Tryon High School graduate, played for the Wizards in the late 1960s. That stint helped him gain the attention of the New York Knicks. The Knicks later signed Wingo and he played with the team for four seasons, helping win an NBA championship in 1973, before finishing his professional career internationally.

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Thanks to an effort organized by Wingo’s former teammates at Tryon High School, the Wizards first visited the area last February, playing before a large crowd at Landrum. During the game, the Wizards held a ceremony to honor Wingo with the retiring of his jersey number and induction into the organization’s Hall of Fame.

For more information visit www.harlemwizards.com.

By Andy Rhinehart