Clemson Alum Embraces Sumo Wrestling

Former basketball player and Harlem Globetrotter finds new passion in Japanese combat sport

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:07pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a sumo wrestling match, with the figures broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of deep reds, browns, and blues, conveying the power and intensity of the sport.A former college basketball star finds new athletic expression in the ancient Japanese combat sport of sumo wrestling.Clemson Today

Bryan Narcisse, a former Clemson basketball player and Harlem Globetrotter, has embraced a new athletic pursuit - sumo wrestling. Now going by the name 'Lanky Sumo', Narcisse has found a home in the Japanese combat sport after his basketball career.

Why it matters

Narcisse's transition from basketball to sumo wrestling is an unusual career path, highlighting how elite athletes can discover new passions later in life and successfully pivot to different sports. His story also shines a light on the growing popularity of sumo wrestling outside of Japan.

The details

After playing basketball at Clemson University from 2008-2012 and briefly joining the Harlem Globetrotters, Narcisse discovered sumo wrestling and was drawn to its unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and tradition. He has since committed himself fully to the sport, training rigorously and adopting the moniker 'Lanky Sumo' to reflect his tall, lanky frame compared to the typically stocky sumo wrestlers.

  • Narcisse played basketball at Clemson University from 2008 to 2012.
  • He joined the Harlem Globetrotters shortly after his college basketball career.
  • Narcisse discovered sumo wrestling and began training in the sport in the past few years.

The players

Bryan Narcisse

A former Clemson basketball player and Harlem Globetrotter who has embraced a new career in sumo wrestling, now going by the name 'Lanky Sumo'.

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The takeaway

Narcisse's journey from college basketball to professional entertainment basketball to sumo wrestling demonstrates the diverse paths elite athletes can take, and how discovering new passions later in life can lead to fulfilling second acts in sports.