Biography
Chris “Handles” Franklin is currently living his lifelong dream and his story serves as a testimony to all that dreams are attainable with hard work and persistence.
Chris played high school basketball at Susquehanna Township High School in Harrisburg, PA where he was named to the Patriot News’ Big 15. He received a scholarship to play basketball at Lock Haven University where He finished second all-time assist leader and ranked top 10 in the nation in assists and steals. While He held a consistent commitment to basketball, Chris always valued the importance of an education. He graduated from Lock Haven with a BSW and then went on to earn an MSW from the University of Pittsburgh in 1998.
After graduating with a Master’s degree, He decided to pursue his lifelong dream. He traveled and toured on several professional teams trying to find his way. He received his first real break as a replacement in a Nike competition that featured the top dribblers in the country competing for the honor of being known as the “best ball-handler in the world”. Judged by several NBA all-stars, Chris received a perfect score of all 10’s and won 1st place in the competition. He was then asked by Nike to participate in the ground breaking “Freestyle” commercial. The commercial went on to win 12 awards and is currently featured in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History. Chris went on to receive a contract with Nike and filmed several popular commercials including “Dr. Funk” with NBA player Vince Carter and Lebron James’ very first commercial entitled, “King James”. Known as one of the best dribblers in the world, Chris stayed with Nike for 4 years as a contracted athlete. Eventually he would come to live his lifelong dream of being a Harlem Globetrotter, which he is still currently doing in his 14th consecutive season.
Chris has travelled to 84 countries and territories around the world. He has appeared on several TV shows including The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, TV One’s “Unsung”, The Today Show, Sweetie Pie’s, Dr. Oz and Specials on the WB network and ESPN. During All-Star weekend in 2009 Chris played in the Celebrity basketball game All-Star weekend on ESPN along side some of the industries biggest celebrities where he was the player of the game. He also appeared on Disney’s top TV show entitled Dog With A Blog and the “Blippi” show on Youtube, which has amassed over 32 million views. He has had the opportunity to work with a wide range of influential people, from rap artist Jay Z, to billionaire Warren Buffet. Chris is currently in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest kneeling backwards shot. He lists one of his greatest experiences as getting invited to the White House for the annual Easter Egg Roll event where he played basketball with former President Barack Obama.
Recommendations & Reviews:
“Thank you for your great presentation. It was amazing! Even with their masks on, I could still see and hear their smiles and laughter. Such a nice treat for the children and the staff!”- Principal, Essex Elementary, CT
"Dear Handles, Thank you so much for your great presentation at Essex Elementary School in CT. It was amazing! Even with their masks on, I could still see & hear their smiles and laughter. It's been a tough year on the children with all the field trips cancelled so this was a nice treat for them and the staff. Cheer!"- Thanks, Carrie Comerfor & Essex Elementary PTC
