Larry “Gator” Rivers played high school basketball in Georgia before playing for the Harlem Globetrotters and helping incorporate as a county commissioner in his native Savannah. He went on to play and coach with the Harlem Globetrotters for 16 years, briefly reuniting with high school coach Russell Ellington. Graduated from Savannah High School in 1969.
And in Missouri, Moberly went on to be a college All-American at junior college and an all-conference guard at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, which won the first Georgia High School Association basketball tournament to feature black and white players in 1967. He went on to become an all-state player.
When Rivers once tried out for his Globetrotters, team legend Marques Haynes told WTOC-TV that team legend Marques Haynes took Rivers into a room stocked with tables and folding chairs, handed Rivers a basketball, and said, “Let’s watch you dribble around this.” Savannah, Ga. (AP) – Larry “Gator” Rivers, who helped incorporate high school basketball in Georgia before playing for the Harlem Globetrotters and becoming a county commissioner in his native Savannah, died Saturday at age 73.
Chatham County Commission Chairman Chester Ellis told the Savannah Morning News that Rivers died of cancer. Campbell and Sons Funeral Home said Rivers died at a hospital in Savannah. Rivers came home to Savannah and became involved in the community. Volunteered in schools. Promoted renovation of neighborhood basketball courts and started Gatorball Academy, a nonprofit youth mentoring organization to teach basketball.
Rivers ran for county commission as a Republican in 2020 and was elected unopposed after the Democratic candidate was disqualified on a previous felony conviction. Never forgot Savannah or Beach High School and am endlessly dedicated to mentoring and teaching basketball rules. Dedicated hours. And life for many young people.
For this, he will always be remembered. Johnson wrote on social media, “Legends never die, so you’ll always be around. Rivers’ death drew condolences from US Rep. Buddy Carter, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson and others. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said Rivers “lived an accomplished life and Most of that life he chose to serve the people of his community.
He went on to play and coach for 16 years with the Harlem Globetrotters, briefly reuniting with high school coach Russell Ellington. Funeral arrangements were not announced Sunday.
