March 26 (UPI) -- Harlem Globetrotters legend Fred "Curly" Neal, the face of the team for more than two decades, died Thursday morning in his home outside of Houston at the age of 77, the team announced.
Neal, who was a skilled dribbler and shooter known for his trademark shaved head and playful banter, was with the Globetrotters from 1963 through 1985. He had his No. 22 jersey retired in February 2008, joining Wilt Chamberlain, Marques Haynes, Meadowlark Lemon and Goose Tatum as the only players at the time to have their jerseys retired.