HOUSTON ASSOCIATION OF PANAMANIANS, INC.

HAP is honored to introduce Houston born, Evan Gaffney, team member #29 basketball player in the position of Guard with the internationally known Harlem Globetrotters.  Evan lived in Houston, Texas until his pre-teen years when he moved with his parents to Chattanooga, Tennessee.  He is the grandson of the late Capt. Nathan Thomas and Minister Glendora Thomas of Rainbow City and Colon, Panama.  He proudly identifies himself as a combination of U.S., Caribbean and Panama heritage, and spent many summers in Panama visiting his grandparents and eating the delicious cuisine of that culture.

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Evan completed his middle and high school education in Tennessee and following his graduation, "Swish" as he's popularly known, was granted a basketball scholarship to the Tennessee Wesleyan University in Athens, Tennessee.  Upon his graduation, he became a team player of the Original Harlem Globetrotters. 

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"Swish" is a 2nd generation Harlem Globetrotters since his dad, Paul "Showtime" Gaffney previously played for this outstanding organization.  His mother, Lisca Thomas-Gaffney and all of the members of the Thomas family in Texas and Panama are especially supportive and proud of Evan.

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The Harlem Globetrotters with "Swish" Gaffney recently played at the NRG Arena in Houston on February 8, 2025.  We salute you Evan "Swish" Gaffney, you make us proud!