June 22, 2009

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Charlotte 49ers 6-7 forward Charlie Coley was among five players taken by the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters in the team's third annual draft. Coley, who awed crowds with his amazing dunking ability, finished his two-year 49ers career second all-time with 102 career dunks.

Coley won back-to-back 49ers Slam Dunk contests at the 49ers annual Basketball Madness and finished as runner-up in the 2009 ESPN Slam Dunk Championship. Coley was featured in several game broadcasts with his variety of dunks that include windmill, tomahawk, breakaway and alley-opp jams. During the 49ers Slam Dunk contest, Coley jumped over 6-10 center Phil Jones for one dunk, over DiJuan Harris riding a stationary bike for another and over a chair set on a folding table.

This past year, Coley averaged 8.9 points and a team-high 6.8 rebounds. He added 31 blocks along with his 55 dunks.

Coley was joined in the draft by Oklahoma senior Taylor Griffin, brother of expected #1 NBA draft choice Blake Griffin, ESPN slam dunk champion Tony Danridge, 2009 Patriot League Player of the Year Derrick Mercer and acrobatic U.S./Premier League goalkeeper Tim Howard.

"Globetrotters must be great athletes, great entertainers and outstanding citizens," said Globetrotters Coach Sweet Lou Dunbar. "We believe each of these individuals possess enough of those unique dynamics to merit our consideration to wear the red, white and blue."