A tribute on the hardwood
The City of Savannah marked a historic moment last week when it officially renamed the basketball court at Crawford Square in honor of Larry “Gator” Rivers, a figure whose influence stretched far beyond the paint.
Rivers grew up on the city’s Eastside and became a catalyst for integration in Georgia high school basketball during the late 1960s, breaking barriers that had long divided the sport.
From 1973 to 1986 he entertained fans worldwide as a member of the Harlem Globetrotters, a stint that cemented his status as a global ambassador for the game.
After retiring from professional play he turned to public service, winning election to the Chatham County Board of Commissioners where he championed youth programs and community development.
Colleagues and former players recall his mentorship, noting that countless youngsters found guidance on and off the court from the man they called ‘Gator.’
Rivers passed away in 2023 at the age of 73, but his legacy endures in the city’s programs and the newly christened court that bears his name.