Earl Manigault, known as "The Goat," was born on July 9, 1944 in Charleston, South Carolina. Growing up in Harlem, New York, he quickly gained a reputation as a talented street basketball player with exceptional jumping ability and flashy dunks.
Manigault's incredible skills on the basketball court caught the attention of many, including college scouts and professional players. However, his promising future took a dark turn when he was expelled from school after being caught with drugs. Despite this setback, Manigault continued to play basketball on the streets of Harlem, earning the nickname "The Goat," which stood for Greatest of All Time.
Manigault's reputation as one of the greatest street basketball players of all time continued to grow. His ability to soar above the rim and perform gravity-defying dunks mesmerized spectators and opponents alike. He became a local legend in Harlem, with his name synonymous with basketball greatness.
Despite his struggles off the court, Manigault found love and stability in his family life. He was married to Yvonne, with whom he had two sons. His family provided him with the support and motivation he needed to overcome his personal challenges and focus on his passion for basketball.
Manigault's talent transcended the streets of Harlem and caught the attention of basketball legends, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Abdul-Jabbar once called Manigault the greatest player he had ever faced, highlighting the impact that Manigault had on the basketball world.
Throughout his life, Earl Manigault faced numerous challenges both on and off the basketball court. However, his enduring legacy as a street basketball legend and his impact on the game of basketball will never be forgotten.
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