Harlem Globetrotter’s Oldest Slam Dunk Star Is Vegan

Professional athlete Kris “Hi-Lite” Bruton, who at 47 years old is the oldest member of basketball performance group the Harlem Globetrotters, recently credited his plant-based diet for his career longevity. The athlete—known for his ability to slam dunk—adopted a plant-based diet last fall as a cancer-prevention measure after his mother died from leukemia in August. “I feel great, I think I look good physically, and I just hope people give veganism a chance to see what it could do for them,” Bruton told media outlet Men’s Health. “If you eat a plant-based diet and keep it balanced, you’re going to get all the protein you need.” Bruton performs in an average of 150 games worldwide every year and sustains himself of meals such as oatmeal, roasted potatoes and beans, nuts, fruit, and an occasional vegan burger. “People are watching me dunk on guys. I’m moving, I’m quick, I’m not tired. It’s almost like I turned back the clock,” Bruton said. “People are like, ‘Is he 20 or is he 40?’” Bruton is among a number of professional basketball players—including Golden State Warriors’ center JaVale McGee and Boston Celtics star Kyrie Irving—who have credited their plant-based diet for improved performance on the court.