Today is the birthday of basketball pioneer Bucky Lew. Born 1/4/1884, he broke the color barrier in 1902, spent a full 25 years in the game, and integrated its every conceivable role.

So thanks to Lew, hi-level ball has been close to continuously integrated since he got things rolling so long ago!

Consider:
Dido Wilson, New York State League in 1907
Abraham Tischinsky & Irving Rose, Black Fives teams in the 1910s
Howard Ross, Central Basketball League in 1926
Hank Williams, Midwest Basketball Conference in 1935
Chicago's World Professional Basketball Tournament, mixed teams from 1939 to 1949

The American Basketball Hall of Fame has moved its upcoming induction to April 12, 2026. Despite the delay, it's still the first Hall to enshrine Harry “Bucky” Lew, who integrated both college and pro basketball by 1903. So it’ll be worth the wait!

Honored that The New York Amsterdam News ran my piece on Lew, the basketball halls of fame (yes there are two!), and basketball heaven...

When the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced its class of 2025 earlier this month, the man who integrated both college and pro hoops—well over a hundred years ago—was once again left off the list. Never mind that Bucky Lew may have been the first player ever “nominated” for the Hall.

Looking forward to these sessions on the integration of sports in Boston featuring basketball's Bucky Lew, BC football's Lou Montgomery, and boxing's Marvin Hagler. And happy to know host Boston College isn't upset about Lew sweeping them 2-0 when he coached what is now UMass Lowell in 1922!

Harry “Bucky” Lew made #hoopshistory this month by integrating both professional and college basketball way back in 1903. Lew finished his rookie season as a player with a Lowell, MA, entry in the New England League and his rookie season as a coach at what is now D1 UMass Lowell.

#LarryBird was inducted into the American Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024. Will any players with Boston ties join Larry this year ... perhaps Bucky Lew?