URGENT UPDATE: Former basketball player Ned Randall, known for his role with the Washington Generals against the iconic Harlem Globetrotters, has died at the age of 91. He passed away on February 23, 2024, after a brief illness, leaving a legacy that intertwined sports and entertainment.
Randall, a star player in his youth, became a household name during his nearly four-year tenure with the Generals from the late 1950s to early 1960s. Despite consistently losing to the Globetrotters, he famously referred to his time with them as “the luckiest thing that ever happened to me.” His journey began in Akron, where he excelled in basketball, earning accolades as an All-City and All-Ohio player.
After high school, Randall briefly attended Bradley University before serving in the U.S. Navy, where he continued to showcase his basketball skills. In 1958, he caught the attention of Louis “Red” Klotz, the owner-coach of the Generals, who invited him to join the team. Randall’s first game at Madison Square Garden was met with thunderous applause from a crowd of nearly 20,000 fans.
Randall’s experiences included competing against basketball legends like Meadowlark Lemon and Wilt Chamberlain, and he participated in the famous Globetrotter routines that delighted audiences worldwide. Despite the Generals’ overwhelming losses, Randall’s spirit and enthusiasm for the game shone brightly. He often scored up to 20 points in a game, showcasing his talent as a formidable competitor.
Throughout his career, Randall toured extensively, including three trips to Europe, where he played in front of large crowds in unique venues such as soccer stadiums and bullfighting arenas. He recalled games attended by as many as 80,000 spectators, where excitement met the Cold War backdrop.
Randall retired from professional basketball after the 1962 season, opting to return home to his beloved Carole Randall, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. Together, they raised a family in North Hill, Akron. After his basketball career, he worked various jobs, including as a driver for Lawson’s and later as a bus driver for Walsh Jesuit High School.
His sister, Carol Randall Moore, expressed her deep sadness at his passing, noting that he had been ill for four weeks but remained quiet about his condition. “He has never been sick in his life,” she said, emphasizing the shock of his unexpected death.
Calling hours are scheduled for 2 to 5 p.m. on March 7, 2024, at Hennessy-Bagnoli-Moore Funeral Home in Akron, followed by a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital.
Randall’s legacy lives on as a cherished figure in the world of sports, where he remained a lifelong fan of the Harlem Globetrotters. “They are probably the greatest entertainment,” he was quoted as saying in a 2004 interview, reflecting his gratitude for the experiences he gained during his brief career in pro basketball.
Randall’s story captures the essence of sportsmanship, resilience, and the joy of entertainment, making him a beloved character not just in Akron but across the globe.
