For a basketball team to stay popular after more than 75 years, it takes something special.

It takes a touch of tradition, a pinch of humor, great showmanship and a whole lot of mad skills.

The Harlem Globetrotters, recognized for entertaining crowds with their world-famous basketball skills to the tune of "Sweet Georgia Brown," will perform at 7 p.m. today at the Breslin Center.

Globetrotters Coach "Sweet" Lou Dunbar said tonight's performance will thrill the crowds.

"The show has been going really great this year," Dunbar said via phone from an arena in Muskegon. "We have a really great crew this year."

It only takes a few minutes speaking with Dunbar to understand why he dons the nickname "Sweet Lou." Amidst a busy tour schedule, Dunbar maintains a jovial personality and keeps the conversation flowing with a steady stream of jokes and "sweet" talk.

And both Dunbar's saucy personality and passion for entertainment and tradition are representative of a team that lasted several generations and built up a consistent fan-base around the world.

Dunbar, a 26-season Globetrotter veteran, is no stranger to performing at the Breslin Center.

"Yeah, I believe I have done a couple shows there," Dunbar said jokingly, adding that after all of these years, his heart is still in the game.

"We can be tired, but once we hit that floor and see the smiling faces in the crowd, it really makes us want to put on another good performance," the nearly 7-foot Globetrotter said.

And so far, fans have been loving each show, Dunbar said.

"The crowds have responded tremendously and we have some great athletes that have been doing amazing things with the basketballs," he said.

It's no secret that Dunbar enjoys his day job and why shouldn't he? Getting paid to travel the world, playing basketball with the Trotters.

"I always tell people that I have the greatest job in the world," Dunbar said. "I have the opportunity to do what I love and play basketball."

A lot of people gripe about going to work every day, but I can't complain."

The life of a Globetrotter is always rewarding, Dunbar said.

"I feel like Santa Claus sometimes, because once a year I show up and bring smiles to the crowds," he said.

In addition to showcasing their skills and humor to thousands, the players commit themselves to community services, most notably, Otis "Mr. OK" Key, the advance ambassador for the team.

Key, who has been with the Globetrotters for seven seasons, spoke via phone following a school assembly visit about character reinforcement in New York.

The life of a Globetrotter wasn't always on the mind of Key, moreover, he said it was something that just kind of fell into his lap.

"It is something I am definitely glad I got a chance to experience, " Key said.

The Globetrotters play an average of 450 games per year, divided between two teams., and each show maintains a familiar routine, yet unique experience, Key said.

"The crowd and the team play off of each other every time," Key said. "The only thing different is the electricity and the energy on the floor."

Team laughter usually precedes each performance, Key said.

"We joke around until it's game time, and then we put our game faces on and get to work," Key said.

Key said Globetrotters fans can anticipate a great performance from the team.

"Expect the unexpected," Key said. "We like to be very interactive with the crowd I hope that's something they will enjoy."

Breslin Student Events Center Marketing Coordinator Andrea Pellegrini said more than 2,700 tickets to the show had been sold as of Wednesday morning.

"It's supposed to be bigger and better than ever this year," Pellegrini said. "The Globetrotters are really into entertaining the kids and the show is really family oriented."

A photo session with the team proceeds the show, which concludes with an autograph session.

"It's always a big thing when they are in town," Pellegrini said. "They have been around for 75 years and they still do very well with the crowds."

The Globetrotters have some new tricks up their sleeves for tonight's performance, but Dunbar remains quiet on the details. Knowing what the Globetrotters have in store for their Breslin performance is like peeking into wrapped presents during the holidays.

"A Globetrotters performance is like what you get for Christmas," Dunbar said with a laugh. "Of course you know that you will get some of the same things you know to expect, such as water being thrown into the crowds, some confetti and dancing ."

As far as anything else, you have got to be there to see it."