Joey ‘Hot Rod’ De La Rosa will lead the Harlem Globetrotters into the Intuit Dome Feb. 16. The Globetrotters will play the Washington Generals at 1 p.m. as part of their 2025 World Tour.
Courtesy photo
By Darlene Donloe
Contributing Writer
INGLEWOOD — When he was 9 years old, Joey “Hot Rod” De La Rosa went to see the Harlem Globetrotters play in the Bronx.
He was mesmerized. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
“They came and did all these fancy tricks,” he said. “I was like, ‘wow.’ I loved the tricks they did. Later that day, I told my parents I was going to be a basketball player.”
Today, the 7-1 De La Rosa, based out of New York, plays forward for the legendary Globetrotters, and, as he puts it, “Life is good.”
On Feb. 16 at 1 p.m., the Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour, presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs, will hit the Intuit Dome.
The Globetrotters, one of the world’s most influential basketball teams, will play their nemesis, the Washington Generals.
De La Rosa said fans can expect the usual alley-oops, dunks, sleight-of-hand, long shots, wow factors, magic and other fascinating fetes they’ve become accustomed to seeing in the Harlem Globetrotters’ 99-year history.
“We like to dazzle and bring all the fun that the fans like to see,” De La Rosa said. “It’s always a blast to play before fans.”
De La Rosa said he’s looking forward to the Globetrotters’ upcoming Intuit Dome appearance because the crowd is always enthusiastic.
“There is something about the crowds in Los Angeles,” he said. “They are very vocal, and they get excited.”
The Harlem Globetrotters are icons synonymous with family entertainment and boundless basketball skills.
The team, pioneers in popularizing the slam dunk, the fast break, the forward and point guard positions, and the figure-eight weave, has entertained more than 148 million fans in 123 countries and territories worldwide.
Close to 750 men and women have played for the world-famous team, which has entertained popes, kings, queens and presidents around the globe.
De La Rosa played his first game as a Globetrotter in Des Moines, Iowa, in 2021. He fondly remembers how the fans made him feel.
“It was amazing,” he said. “People were screaming my name — “Hot Rod,” “Hot Rod.” Hot Rod.” Kids were coming up to me after the game to get pictures. It was incredible.”
With his infectious smile, athleticism and appetite for entertaining, De La Rosa has become a fan favorite over the years. He thrills global audiences with his unique blend of basketball wizardry and showmanship.
De La Rosa got the nickname “Hot Rod” because of the way he plays the game. Even as a child, he developed a reputation for his flashy moves and charismatic personality.
“They call me ‘Hot Rod’ because of how I play on the court,” he said. “You know how an American car has a lot of power. I’m a strong guy with a lot of power. The car goes fast. I’m pretty quick. The car is good-looking, and I’m good-looking, too.”
During his four-year tenure with the Globetrotters, who make 400 appearances yearly in 25 countries, De La Rosa said the group’s popularity has continued to grow.
“It’s all about what we bring to the table,” he said. “And we bring a lot. We have amazing basketball players, but we’re goodwill ambassadors when they do school visits and preach a positive message at hospitals.”
While basketball is his first love, De La Rosa wants to be more than just a basketball player.
“I want to be a role model,” he said. “I want to be someone who can show kids they can achieve their dreams with hard work and determination.”
De La Rosa said the team’s 99-year history speaks volumes about the Globetrotters’ character.
“Just look at the legacy,” he said. “In 99 years, they have uniquely introduced basketball and been to 123 countries and territories worldwide. They went to Russia at the height of the Cold War. They stopped fighting for three days to watch the Globetrotters.
“They also introduced the first woman, Lynette Woodard, to the team in 1985. They were inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. The Harlem Globetrotters are the epitome of Black excellence.”
Since 2022, the Harlem Globetrotters’ Play It Forward reality series has been on NBC.com and the NBC App, now hosted by Kenny Smith.
Fans attending the Intuit Dome game can look forward to a one-of-a-kind 30-minute pre-game, Magic Pass, which begins 90 minutes before tip-off.
A celebrity court pass will allow fans to sit on center court, where they enjoy a one-on-one experience, for an up-close and personal view of the Harlem Globetrotters during their pregame warm-ups.
A premium VIP bench ticket also is available, which allows fans to sit beside their favorite players. VIP seating is on the Harlem Globetrotters or Washington Generals bench.
De La Rosa, 29, whose thick Dominican Republic intonation reveals his roots, played basketball in the Dominican Republic, China, Thailand, Malaysia and Nicaragua. He remembers getting the call in 2021 asking if he was interested in a tryout with the Globetrotters, which, at one time, boasted superstars like Meadowlark Lemon, Frederick “Curly” Neal, Sweet Lou Dunbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Geese Ausbie, Tex Harrison, Reece “Goose” Tatum, and Hallie Bryant.
“I said, ‘Yes,’ De La Rosa remembered. “A month later, they signed me. Ever since then, I’ve been living my dream.”
Although he loves basketball, De La Rosa said the best part of being a Globetrotter is making children smile when he visits schools and hospitals.
“When I get a chance to go to the schools or a hospital, and I tell the kids my story, I know at that moment that I’m inspiring them,” said De La Rosa, a married father of three. “My passion is basketball. It led me to be a Globetrotter. Their passion doesn’t have to be basketball. I tell them, ‘Find yours and be passionate about it.’ I love inspiring young people. I know how they feel. I’m giving them a memory because I was once that little boy.”
Darlene Donloe is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers South Los Angeles. She can be reached at ddonloe@gmail.com.
