Harlem Globetrotters great Marques Haynes dies at 89

Haynes, often called the greatest dribbler in basketball history, died Friday in Plano, Texas, of natural causes, the Globetrotters said. He was 89.

"Basketball has lost one of its most iconic figures," Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider said.

In two stints with the touring team — from 1947-53 and 1972-79 — Haynes played in more than 1,200 games for a team that combined dazzling skills, theatrical flair and circus antics.

The Globetrotters will dedicate their 90th anniversary tour in 2016 to Haynes and will wear a uniform patch in tribute.

"Marques was a pioneer, helping pave the way for people of all races to have opportunities to play basketball, and for the sport to explode on a global scale," Schneider said. "His unique and groundbreaking style of play set the tone for modern basketball as we know it. Anyone involved with basketball worldwide is indebted to Marques. He was the consummate Globetrotter. "

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Source: AP