Jul
16
What James Naismith was to the birth of basketball, Robert Douglas was to the development and recognition of the sport for African Americans.
Passing away at the age of 97 on this day in 1979, Douglas was the founder of the first all-black professional team, the New York Rens, the preeminent barnstorming squad of the first half of the 20th century.
While his players were subject to much racism, Douglas treated them well and they showed their appreciation by dominating on the court, once going 112-7 in 1939 and drawing the highest praise from legendary UCLA Head Coach John Wooden.
Truly a pioneer for African Americans in the game, Douglas was the first black man to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, earning this high distinction in 1972.
For more information on Douglass, the Rens and the beginnings of black basketball in the United States, check out the definitive resource on the topic, the Black Fives Blog.
A brainstorm of the highly knowledgeable and interesting Claude Johnson, this blog goes far beyond anything Hoops 4 the Soul could detail about Douglas, his amazing team and highly significant yet too often unknown place in American history.
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What James Naismith was to the birth of basketball, Robert Douglas was to the development and recognition of the sport for African Americans.
Sad day in hoops history. Douglas should be celebrated for all he achieved in the face of adversity and for his significant contributions to the game of basketball.
Yours in hoops,
Peter Robert Casey
www.linkedin.com/in/peterrobertcasey