Globetrotter Connection

We've all heard the story before. A professional athlete has kids and those kids try to live up to their parent's legacy. For Oklahoma volleyba Dunbar family

ll graduate transfer Ashlynn Dunbar, her father's are unusually large shoes to fill.

Her father Lou Dunbar, better known as Sweet Lou, stands tall at 6 feet 10 inches and played point guard, forward and center for the University of Houston from 1972-1975 before being drafted by the Houston Rockets in 1975. He would go on to make his name and his legacy for the Harlem Globetrotters.

"He gets noticed often so it's cool to me," said Ashlynn. "We could be in Alaska eating dinner and someone will be like 'Lou, what's up?'"

Sweet Lou is one of the most iconic Globetrotters of all time and is going in to his 43rd season with the organization, where he currently serves as the director of player personnel and head coach. For Ashlynn, growing up with the Globetrotters legend meant that basketball ran in her veins from a very young age.

"I would 110% say we're a basketball family," said Ashlynn. "That's kind of just where everyone knows us. Especially my brother, he's older than me, so it's like, 'Oh, he plays basketball, you must play too.' I play a little bit, but I also do other stuff."

Her older brother Louis followed quite literally in his father's footsteps. After playing at Oklahoma City University, he joined the Globetrotters himself where he is affectionately known as Sweet Lou II.

"It's awesome," said Louis of playing for his father. "It's just so cool to be able to learn from such a great person who's been doing this practically his whole life."

"I definitely love basketball. It's just a different atmosphere to me and I just love the game."
- Ashlynn Dunbar

The athletic ability made its way to Ashlynn as well, who competed in volleyball, basketball and track growing up. Although she chose to pursue volleyball, she believes she could have been just as successful in basketball.

"I would say I'm equally good at both," said Ashlynn. "I definitely love basketball. It's just a different atmosphere to me and I just love the game."

While Ashlynn ended up choosing volleyball over basketball, she has carried on her family's legacy of success in her volleyball career. Dunbar spent three seasons at San Diego State where she made a name for herself as an all-around player. Dunbar collected 738 kills, 532 digs and 154 blocks during her time with the Aztecs and tallied 886 points while averaging 2.86 per set.

Dunbar brought her competitive edge and lethal swing to OU upon graduating from SDSU. In final season of eligibility, she leads the team in kills with 153 and ranks in OU's top five for assists, aces and digs. Dunbar has recorded more double-doubles than any other Sooner this season with double-digit digs and kills in five contests.

Needless to say, she's carrying on the Dunbar legacy in her own way.

"She's doing her passion. She loves the game and I'm glad she's here," said Lou. "I'm so proud of her. I love what she's doing."

Would Ashlynn ever consider taking up the family business and joining the Globetrotters once her volleyball career comes to an end?

"I don't have any plans, but it would be fun," Ashlynn laughed.

Dunbar and the Sooners return to McCasland Field House Saturday as OU hosts Kansas at 5 p.m. CT.