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“Supertrotter” Billy Ray Hobley Enters Globetrotters Legends Ring
 Former Harlem
Globetrotters star Billy Ray Hobley was posthumously honored
by the Globetrotters with the team’s “Legends” award when the
Globetrotters played in Hobley’s adopted hometown of New Orleans.
Hobley, who passed away on July 31, 2002, at the age of 48, will be
just the 29th person in the Globetrotters’ storied 85-year history
to receive the distinction. Nicknamed “Supertrotter,” he was known
for his rim-jarring dunks, blazing ball handling and effervescent
personality. Hobley traveled around the world the equivalent of six
times over 22 seasons for the Globetrotters, the last of which was
in 1998.
The 6-8 forward joined the Globetrotters in 1977, after averaging
nearly 15 points per contest in 99 career games at Dillard
University in New Orleans. Hobley had previously starred at James A.
Shanks High School in Quincy, Fla., before moving to New Orleans,
where he made his home before his passing.
“Billy Ray could light up any room in the world, and he always had a
story to tell you,” said Globetrotters Legend Sweet Lou Dunbar, who
also came to the Trotters as a rookie in 1977 and was a teammate of
Hobley’s for over 20 years. “The nickname ‘Supertrotter’ fit him
perfectly.”
Created in 1993, the “Legends” award is presented to those who have
made a contribution outside of basketball and played a role in the
development of the Globetrotters brand. A special advisory board and
the alumni select the honorees.
Hobley’s commemoration is part of the Globetrotters’ celebration of
their 85th consecutive season and the team’s 2011 “4 Times the Fun”
World Tour, during which the Globetrotters have once again
revolutionized the game of basketball with their new 4-point shot.
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