Basketball was the primary goal when the Harlem Globetrotters first formed in 1927. However, it wasn’t long before the prime directive morphed into the role of international ambassadors of goodwill.

Local fans will get three opportunities to experience the phenomenon when the team brings its mix of deft basketball skills, old school comedy and community outreach back to the area, including the13th annual return to the Nutter Center in Fairborn at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31.

The Harlem Globetrotters’ “You Write the Rules World Tour” also stops at US Bank Arena in Cincinnati on Saturday, Dec. 29, and Pam Evans Smith Arena at Wittenberg University in Springfield on Jan. 29.

“It’s not about basketball with the Globetrotters,” said Buckets Blakes, an 11-year veteran of the team. The graduate of Arizona Western University was in town recently for a pregame visit that included work with students, several Toys for Tots events and some public relations for the current “You Write the Rules World Tour,” including a brief interview at the Residence Inn by Marriott next to The Mall at Fairfield Commons.

“We get into town in advance of the games to do things like Toys for Tots and our new program, The ABC’s of Bully Prevention,” Blakes said. “The A is for Action, the B is for Bravery and the C is for Compassion. Our whole goal is to help stop violence in schools as well as give these kids a formula to help deal with bullying in their community.”

Despite a serious agenda, the Globetrotters never forget about bringing the fun. The newest interactive feature allows fans to vote for customized rules such as the four-point shot and two-ball basketball for each stop on the tour.

“There are several rules already designated and people can go online and vote for the one they’d like to see,” Blakes said. “It definitely makes it challenging for us because we don’t know what rules they’ll announce before the quarters.”

Other rules include the penalty box and six-on-five, where the Globetrotters will give their opponents the Washington Generals the advantage of an extra player on the court. One of the most thrilling options is the two-ball game, which allows for double the action at one time.

“The fans will get a kick out of that one if that choose that rule,” Blakes said. “That’s been pretty popular at some of our games we’ve played already. It’s pretty cool. I enjoy it. The Globetrotters are trendsetters and innovators. We’re always trying to do something different.”