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- Born: September 30, 1915, PanamaNew York Times: John Isaacs, Star for Rens Basketball Team, Dies at 93 (February 2, 2009) The Black Fives: John Isaacs, Basketball Pioneer, Harlem Rens Star, Turns 93 (September 30, 2008)
- Nicknames: Mr. I, Wonder BoyNew York Times: John Isaacs, Star for Rens Basketball Team, Dies at 93 (February 2, 2009)
- Playing height: 6 ft 1 inBlack Fives: John "Boy Wonder" Isaacs
- Playing weight: 190 lbsBlack Fives: John "Boy Wonder" Isaacs
- Played for Harlem Renaissance Big Five, Washington Bears, Hazleton Mountaineers, Utica OlympicsBlack Fives: John "Boy Wonder" Isaacs
- Played more than 100 games a year, was paid $150 monthlyNBA: Isaacs' contributions should be honored by Hall of Fame (January 31, 2009)
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John Isaacs was the last surviving member of the great African American basketball team called the Harlem Renaissance Big Five, who were based in New York City and played all over the country during the Depression, despite rampant discrimination.New York Times: John Isaacs, Star for Rens Basketball Team, Dies at 93 (February 2, 2009)
On January 26, 2009, he died from complications after a stroke. He was 93.New York Times: John Isaacs, Star for Rens Basketball Team, Dies at 93 (February 2, 2009)
The Harlem Renaissance Big Five
The Harlem Renaissance Big Five, or "Rens" as they were known, were organized in 1923 by Bob Douglas, a prominent black businessman in Harlem. They were an all-black team, and some of the stars included William Gates, Charles Cooper, Willie Smith, Al Johnson, Eyre Saitch, Clarence Jenkins, Lewis Badger, and John HoltNew York Times: John Isaacs, Star for Rens Basketball Team, Dies at 93 (February 2, 2009)They played against the Original Celtics, an all-white team from New York and led by Nat Holman and Joe Lapchick.
Timeline
- 1915: Born
- 1935: Won New York City High School Basketball championship, received All-City honors
- 1936: Signed a contract with the New York Rens
- 1937: 122-19
- 1938: 121-19
- 1939: 127-15, championship title of hte first ever World's Professional Basketball Tournament
- 1943: Won title again with the Washington Bears
- 1950s: Retired
- 1960s-1980s: Coached basketball and became a youth counselor at the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club
- 2005, 2006: Finalist for induction into Basketball Hall of FameBlack Fives: John "Boy Wonder" Isaacs
Quotes
"They very seldom talk about this history the 'white' newspapers never wrote about or thought to write about it. They always talk about the Knicks being the first ones, I say, 'its not true and it's not even factual'. You know why 'What were we dog doo-doo?' This was before the Knicks were even born. This is in [Big Ren's]1938-39 team that won the Championship in Chicago. We, along with the Globetrotters were considered two of the better teams in the country. Oshkosh played in the American League while some of the other teams played in the National Basketball League."—John IsaacsPlayahata: John Isaacs"On the court, Isaacs was a fierce competitor and floor leader, a crisp passer and playmaker, a hardnosed defender, and a tenacious rebounder. In addition to bringing a crushing brand of physical toughness, Isaacs also introduced the pick and roll to the Rens, a play he learned in high school. At a time when statistics for assists, turnovers, steals, and rebounds were not tracked as they are today, a player was measured by team results and by the quality of his teammates."—Claude JohnsonBlack Fives: John "Boy Wonder" Isaacs
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John Isaacs on Amazon
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John Isaacs Questions
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How do we get John Isaacs into the Basketball Hall of Fame? 1 AnswerAlthough there is no proven way to get anyone into the Basketball Hall of Fame, there is a tried and true step by step process which I found. It's decided by t... read more -
What is your favorite Isaac Asimov Book? 5 AnswersI loved, I Robot, The Gods Themselves and his autobiography, but my favorite book by him is Caves of Steel, where he introduced Elijah Baley and R. Daneel Oliva... read more
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Esculturas de John Isaacs: http://bit.ly/6WLhlo
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RT @cceia: Prospects for Arms Control in the Obama Administration: An Interview with John Isaacs: John Isaacs, Executive D.. http://bit. ...
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Prospects for Arms Control in the Obama Administration: An Interview with John Isaacs: John Isaacs, Executive D.. http://bit.ly/7BGZqk
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