WHAT BEING A GLOBETROTTER MEANS TO MICHAL PORTER

Editor's note: Here's what Michael Porter, 7, wrote after talking with Globetrotter Curley "Boo" Johnson:

First you have to work very hard -- very, very hard. His father taught him to do that. After you become very good -- very, very good -- then you can do fancy moves and learn how to "hot dog."

If you are smooth, then they might pick you to try out for the Globetrotters. Then you will get to visit neat places like Australia. You will get to meet many famous people like Michael Jordan. You would get to ride in a fun Globetrotter bus.

You would get to play ball with other fine players like 7-foot, 6-inch Dut Mayar; 5-foot, 3-inch Jimmy "Pee Wee" Henry; Michael "Wildman" Wilson, who can leap 56 inches high; and a showman like Paul "Showtime" Gaffney, who can make some unbelievable shots.

You would also get to do special things like get interviewed by a 7-year-old boy like me.

Thank you, Curley Johnson and Southeast Missourian. I will never forget this, and I can't wait until the game on Monday!