At 7’8, Globetrotter “Tiny” Sturgess could very well seem intimidating, but you’d have a hard time finding a nicer guy. No, it wasn’t a typo. I said 7’8. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Globetrotters newest addition is also the World’s Tallest Professional Basketball Player. And so, of course, the Globetrotters nicknamed him Tiny.
Even though his schedule has been jam-packed, he took some time to speak with me about the popular new “You Write the Rules Tour”. Basically, at each venue fans will be able to choose from 5 different sets of rules the Globetrotters (and the opposing team) will have to play by. I asked Tiny what “rule” he enjoyed the most. He said that he loved the “2 ball rule”, where they play an entire basketball game using two balls! He said it’s also been a fan favorite, most likely due to the upbeat pace of the game. Personally, I can’t imagine a Globetrotters game more upbeat then it already is!
When Tiny isn’t on tour, he spends his time in his hometown of Loughborough, England. And yes, ladies, he is single! 
Unfortunately, he says, his touring schedule makes it hard to carry on a relationship (but we can still hope!).His soothing English accent, cracks a bit and gives way to a nervous chuckle when I again grill him on his relationship status, mentioning that there are a lot of available women here in the Inland Empire.
Growing up in England he was an avid soccer player…but he just kept growing! He was then asked if he was interested in basketball. Tiny says he started playing, and immediately fell in love with the game.He played throughout college, attending Mountain State University in Beckley, West Virgina, while studying Health Science. Upon graduation, he was asked to play for the Globetrotters which, he says, was “awesome.”
Tiny says playing for the Globetrotters has been an amazing experience because he’s been able to travel all over the world, entertaining kids. His voice really lights up when he talks about his time with the Globetrotters. He was a fan as a child, and being asked to particpate in such a legacy was a huge honor for him! I’m sure the Globetrotters are equally as thrilled to have such a talented and fun loving new member join their team.
Be sure to catch Tiny Sturgess and the rest of the Globetrotters on their “You Write the Rules” tour, which will be flying through town, visting San Diego 2/15, Anaheim 2/16, Los Angeles, 2/17, and coming here Ontario on 2/18- only!
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