New York Renaissance enshrined as a team in 1963

New York Renaissance

Enshrined 1963

One of basketball's first true dynasties, the all-black New York Renaissance moved the ball around with such wizardry and deception that their opposition were often rendered helpless. From their founding in 1922 to their disbanding in 1949, the fancy-passing Rens barnstormed throughout the country making easy work of their opponents. While named for Harlem's Renaissance Casino, the second-story ballroom which served as their home court, the Rens rarely played uptown. Since no existing pro league would accept a black team into its ranks, the Rens were forced to barnstorm. Despite facing discrimination in virtually every city and in every arena, the Rens won more than 2,000 games. In one remarkable 86-day stretch during the 1932-33 season, the Rens won 88 straight games.