By David Jordan Jr
“Meadowlark was the most sensational, awesome, incredible basketball player I’ve ever seen. People would say it would be Dr. J or even Michael Jordan. For me, it would be Meadowlark Lemon.” 
Those were the words from basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain about another basketball legend, Meadowlark Lemon. Basketball icon and world icon Meadowlark Lemon passed away this week at the age of 83. His enormous, yet natural talent on the basketball court not only transcended the game of basketball globally but also helped in improving race relations in the United States Of America during a time when blacks were considered incapable of playing the game of basketball on the same level as white basketball players. Lemon infused his natural talent, an uncanny ability for the spectacular and his loving personality to make the game of basketball life changing experience for anybody that had the opportunity to see him play with the Harlem Globetrotters or the Meadowlark Lemon’s Bucketeer’s Basketball team.
Meadowlark was forever immortalized with his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003. Lemon’s greatness went deeper than the half court hook shot he made on a nightly basis or the many buckets of water he threw on the court; Lemon’s greatness was in his ability to inspire people, make people laugh and also in making people feel important. “Trust your shot.” Live by those words from Meadowlark and you will indeed score in life. Thank you “Clown Prince.”
