After 86 years, 20,000 games and several memorable cameos on “Scooby-Doo,” the Harlem Globetrotters are set to make what’s thought to be the team’s first Springfield appearance.

The famous basketball team — with its trademark combination of comedy and incredible ball-handling ability — will play at 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at Wittenberg University’s Pam Evans Smith Arena, the university has announced.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will go to paying for indoor court time for Wittenberg’s tennis program during the winter, but could lead to an annual appearance here by the Globetrotters.

“If we get the support we need, then they’ll make a commitment to come back every year,” said Garnett Purnell, Wittenberg athletic director.

The Globetrotters — whose ranks through the decades have included Meadowlark Lemon, Curly Neal and Wilt Chamberlain — traditionally play Wright State University’s Nutter Center on New Year’s Eve, but getting to see the team in a much more intimate setting could make a big difference.

“When you’re sitting 30 rows up, it’s not quite the same as when you’re sitting in Pam Evans Smith Arena,” university spokesman Ryan Maurer said.

Purnell agreed.

“If you get a ticket here, you’re going to be up close and personal,” he said. “It’s going to be a great time.”

Tickets are $25 and are available locally at Wittenberg’s HPER Center or online at harlemglobetrotters.com.

Wittenberg was able to snag the Globetrotters, Purnell said, thanks largely to a Witt alum who works in the team’s front office.

“He did some things to make it happen,” he said.

There are other local connections as well.

Wittenberg All-American Tony Wilcox toured with the Globetrotters shortly after graduating in 1960. Just last decade, South High alum Elgrace Wilborn served as a Globetrotter after graduating from Western Kentucky University.

And, if you’re wondering, the Globetrotters do occasionally lose, last losing a game in 2006.