Few places in America are home to as much Black history as Harlem, New York. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of the New York Renaissance basketball team.

Early Years

The New York Renaissance, also called the New York Rens, Harlem Rens, and the Big R Five were the first Black-owned, all-Black and fully professional basketball team. The team was formed in Harlem in 1923 and played in the Renaissance Casino and Ballroom. After each game, a dance was held.

They played their first game in November of 1923 against a team of all-white players, which would become the typical setup, as interracial games drew the largest crowds. Though most sports were still going to be segregated for decades, many times an all-Black team would play an all-white one to stimulate ticket sales.

Taking the Show on the Road

The Rens were one of the dominant basketball teams of the 20s and 30s. During this time, they developed a rivalry with the Original Celtics. As the Rens’ talent grew, they went from being no match for the Celtics to become the only team in professional basketball considered a worthy opponent.

When playing in Harlem wasn’t drawing enough of a crowd anymore, the Rens went on the road. But on the road for months at a time away from the Black Mecca that Harlem was becoming, the team was more of a target for racism. Despite the odds being stacked against them, the Rens continued to dazzle crowds and coaches with their displays of excellence and talent. And by 1937, The Rens were widely considered one of the best basketball teams – black or white – in the United States.

Some of that talent included William “Pop” Gates, Clarence “Puggy” Bell, John “Boy Wonder” Isaacs, Charles “Tarzan” Cooper, William “Wee Willie” Smith, Eyre “Bruiser” Saitch, Zach Clayton, and Clarence “Fat” Jenkins.

1939 World Professional Basketball Tournament

In 1939, the Rens beat out the Harlem Globetrotters (who are actually from Chicago) to compete in the first-ever World Professional Basketball Tournament.

This tournament pitted the best professional teams – regardless of race – against each other, with the winning team taking home $1,000 (about $19,300 in 2021 dollars) and the title of best team in the world. The Rens went on to win the tournament 34-25 against the Oshkosh All-Stars.

The New York Ren Legacy

Though the Rens team was relocated to Dayton in the 1940s, the team and its founder Bob Douglas have a long and storied legacy. The success of the team made it impossible for the National Basketball Association (a segregated league) to maintain its whites-only stance.

As a team, the New York Rens are in the Basketball Hall of Fame, as are a number of individual players as well. Over its history, the team amassed a record of 2588-539. It goes to show that Harlem is an amazing place where dreams and hard work meet to change the world.

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