dark horse dunker to harlem globetrotter

Davene Carter takes talents on tour

Former high-flying Tarleton basketball star Davene Carter will continue to display the talents that helped the Texans reach the Final Four last season, joining the legendary Harlem Globetrotters for a world tour. One of four rookies joining the renowned basketball entertainment company, Davene gained national attention in the 2015 college slam dunk competition as the “Dark Horse Dunker,” ultimately finishing third.

The 6’ 6” Dallas native helped lead Tarleton to a 106-23 record during his four-year career, with last year’s team setting a school record of 31 wins in reaching the NCAA Division II Final Four for only the second time in Tarleton history.

“We can’t wait to hit the floor and celebrate our 90th year with families around the world,” said Globetrotters Legend Sweet Lou Dunbar, the team’s director of player personnel, “and we are excited about what these outstanding rookies will bring to the court.” Tarleton associate head coach Chris Reisman says the team is “ecstatic” that Davene has joined a first-class organization.”

“Davene is a tremendous young man who has worked extremely hard and deserves this opportunity,” Reisman continues. “His work ethic and leadership were two major reasons we went to the Final Four last season.”

Davene agrees that his work ethic and passion for the game attracted the Globetrotters, “as did my personality off the court. The Globetrotters look for three things in an athlete: a great basketball player, a great entertainer and a great person. My family and Tarleton have instilled in me the right core values that have led me to where I am today.”

The Texan shot 66 percent from the field during his Tarleton career, led the team in rebounding his last two seasons, and was a Lone Star Conference All-Defensive Team selection as a junior.

After Tarleton’s season ended, a Globetrotter scout contacted Davene, encouraging him to try out. “It was an easy decision for me— the Harlem Globetrotters are world famous—and I was honored for the opportunity.”

Davene and the Globetrotters will play over 330 games in more than 260 cities in 48 states, eight Canadian provinces and Puerto Rico from

December 26 through April 2016. “We have a lot planned,” says Davene, “like our ‘Great Assist’ initiative, where we pledge to spread 100 million smiles over the next 10 years with acts of kindness and good will. I’m looking forward to everything there is to experience about being a Harlem Globetrotter.” Reisman noted that “Davene is a quality person and one of the most popular players I ever coached. He always has been and will continue to be a great ambassador for Tarleton State University.”

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dark horse dunker to harlem globetrotter

To watch Davene Carter show off his dunking ability while on the Texan Basketball Team, visit www.tarleton.edu/globetrotter.

The Spirit of Tarleton

Your gift can make a great tax deduction while helping a Tarleton student!

Scholarships clear the path that leads to a degree and career success. During the holiday season, won’t you consider a gift to support our students? Your gift can make all the difference on campus today, in a career tomorrow, for a lifetime. Help Tarleton stay student-focused—preparing tomorrow’s leaders.

Call us today, or visit www.tarleton.edu/giving.

Box T-0570 Stephenville, TX 76402 (254) 968-9000 | www.tarleton.edu

The ring ceremony

is another Texan tradition filled with meaning and memories for students who receive their beautiful commemorative ring marking their time and achievements at Tarleton. The ring itself—first in the world with series numbering as part of the design— features the traditional border of the University seal encircling the Tarleton T and State of Texas, with the campus gates and cannon surrounded by oaks and antique lamp posts on one side and the impressive architecture of the administration building on the other.