Hubert "Geese" Ausbie, former Harlem Globetrotter "Clown Prince" of basketball, will be welcomed home by his hometown from 7-9 p.m. Friday at the Crescent Community Center downtown. The "Welcome Home" is planned to celebrate Ausbie’s upcoming induction into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame on August 13.

The public is invited to meet Ausbie in the come-and-go reception. The event’s mistress of ceremonies will be Reshonda Tate of KFOR TV 4. There will be several presentations and speakers.

One of the most popular and recognizable Harlem Globetrotters ever, Hubert "Geese" Ausbie thrilled audiences with his awesome talent and effervescent personality around the world for 24 years. He served as the "Clown Prince" for the Globetrotters from 1961 to 1985. After growing up in Crescent and starring in high school he went on to Philander Smith College where he became a national standout in basketball. He finished his college career as the nation's third leading scorer behind Elgin Baylor and Oscar Robertson.

As one of the best pro prospects in the country Ausbie bypassed professional basketball. In 1961, Ausbie attended the Globetrotters training camp in Chicago where he beat out more than 500 players from around the country for a place on the team. He turned down a pro baseball contract with the Chicago Cubs to pursue a career with the Globetrotters.

Ausbie has left an indelible mark on the game of basketball while visiting more than 100 countries with the team. He is presently passing on his wisdom to the young Globetrotter players as he serves as one of the head coaches of the team. Crescent native Ausbie was honored with the Harlem Globetrotters "Legends" ring on March 6, 1994 during a pre-game ceremony at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.

Ausbie lives in Little Rock, Arkansas, near where he went to college. His sister still lives in Crescent.