John Isaacs, Basketball Pioneer, Harlem Rens Star, Turns 93


Happy birthday to John Isaacs, former New York Rens basketball star, born September 30, 1915.

John Isaacs at Madison Square Boys and Girls ClubJohn Isaacs at the Madison Square
Boys and Girls Club.

Isaacs is still doing his thing, going to work every day as an Activity Specialist at the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club in the Bronx.

If you know Mr. I, then you know that if he’s any one thing then he’s an activity specialist. Literally. Because, he’s a specialist at being active.

So much so, that Mr. I is almost impossible to pin down. People that know him know what I’m talking about.

But he’ll be in Atlantic City this weekend attending the 16th Annual John Henry “Pop” Lloyd Weekend Celebration.

(I’ll be there too, in case you’re interested.)

The Celebration Dinner and Awards Program will take place Saturday, October 4 at 6:00 p.m., at the Taj Mahal Casino Hotel.

The program’s 2008 Humanitarian Award Recipients, who’ll be honored at the dinner, are:

  • sports journalist and author Frank DeFord;
  • Olympic gold medalists Harrison Dillard and Wendy Hilliard;
  • National Baseball Hall of Fame member Bob Feller;
  • former Harlem Globetrotters Eugene Hudgins, Bob Hunter, and Sam Sawyer;
  • educator and basketball coach Michelle Farrell, and
  • basketball coach Louis “Red” Klotz

The annual “Pop” Lloyd Youth Awards winners will also be announced.

Proceeds go to a worthy cause, the John Henry “Pop” Lloyd Committee, which provides scholarships, educational outreach programs to encourage academic achievement, and “lessons for living elegantly, with exuberance, in the face of adversity.”

Mr. I has been a long time supporter of this cause.

For dinner tickets, or for more information, please call Michael Everett at 609-513-2783 or visit here.

Tomorrow: For the first time online, the text of my SLAM Magazine article about John Isaacs, which appeared in February 2008.

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Zachary C. Husser, Sr.
15 years ago

To Brother Claude, Givers of Best Wishes, and Sister Elaine Johnson,

As I knew you ,Sister Elaine, from the times when you strutted your stuff across the Barnard and Columbia Campuses, our friendship makes it mandatory that we do some running together in Washington, DC during the Inaugural celebration.

I’m very happy to see this salute and birthday wishes to John “Boy Wonder” Isaacs. Mr. Isaacs, or Mr. Basketball, as my mind’s eye see’s him, the world will be a better place by getting John elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Use your contacts and influence to make it happen. Peace, Brother Zach

** Sister Elaine, as always, it will be a pleasure hanging out with all of our Columbia Alumni Family during the Barack Obama Inaugural Events from January 18-20, 2009. I’ll definitely see you at Vicki Brown’s house.

JA LEGACY SPORTSWEAR
15 years ago

Best wishes to a true sports legend.

Crystal
15 years ago

Happy Birthday Mr. Isaacs!
You are truly a pioneer!

From TheBlackSpotlight.com

Ed and Nikki Henderson (Tinner Hill heritage Foundation)
15 years ago

I would like to say Happy 94th Birthday to John on this day. A true treasure and a wonderful gentleman. I treasure the experience of meeting him and spending some time with him last February when he particpated in our Black History Month program, here in the DC area. At 94, he is a true ageless wonder.

I wish that he enjoys many more years, gracing us with his presence and participation.

Happy Birthday John!

Ed and Nikki Henderson

Darryl T. Downing
15 years ago

Mr. Issacs,
The Absoute Best!!! Happy Birthday…and Keep Givin’ And Movin’

ALLAN PORCHER
15 years ago

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN, WE HAD ALOT OF FUN AND GREAT TIMES AT THE HOE AVE BOYS CLUB DURING THE 1970’S AND 80’S, WHEN YOU WERE STILL PLAYING, IN YOUR 60’S.
YOUR FRIEND AND PAL, ALLAN PORCHER….SEPT. 30,2008.

15 years ago

Happy, Happy Birthday with Five High-Fives!
You are remarkable and inspirational… John Issacs.
You have my admiration and respect.
Warmest and sincerest best wishes for continued treasured moments.
Enthusiasm….Applause….Wish!

Noel Ellison
15 years ago

Happy Birthday to John Issacs.

I had the pleasure of meeting you when I played in the Pelham Fritz tournament. You signed my Harlem Rens poster, which I still show off proudly. Thanks for doing your part to bring some soul to the game we love.

carl campbell
15 years ago

happy birth to the one and only-john -boy wonder- isaacs knowing you wll another version our lives thank for all tips for playing the city game.

Lahh Woods
15 years ago

Birthday Blessings to “Dr. Isaacs” 94 years young…You’re still conducting graduate level classes and I’m still working on my left. :o) Peace and Blessings…your nephew Lahh Woods.

Brandon Byrd
15 years ago

Happy Birthday Mr. Isaacs..your future is even brighter!

Voza Rivers
15 years ago

John is truly a Renaissance Man. Kudos for all that you do in the community of Harlem and your stellar leadership as a positive role model. voza

PL
15 years ago

We appreciate you having been there. You were involved in setting a wonderful legacy.

Louis A. DeFreitas, Sr.Ed.D.
15 years ago

Thanks for having this page. I wish to offer my thanks to John Issacs for being the great Black leader that he has been for more than 70 years. I am 70 now and I first met Mr. Issac through his teammate Charles Isles, Sr., who was one of my coaches. I played under him at the Harlem Y.M.C.A., with his son the great Charles Isles, Jr., one of the first Black basketball and baseball stars at the Univervity of Vermont. Mr. Isles was also the person who taught me how to swim, as he taught hundreds of Black youth at the Harlem Y. Thanks again for having this page, where we can honor those who have taught us to be strong Black men.

The California Sneaker Museum
15 years ago

Happy Birthday,

Thanks for the History.

God Bless!

Zachary C. Husser, Sr.
15 years ago

Brother John, I salute you for all of the work you have done over many decades helping young men and women to be successful in their chosen career paths. It is without doubt that the Husser Family wishes you a happy and healthy birthday. As I grow up, I want to be just like you, full of energy, faculties as sharp as ever, and still sharing nuggets of knowledge with any and all people I come in contact with. With John, it doesn’t matter whether he met you today or you’ve been friends for life, he’ll always tell you the truth about how to survive in life! So, John “Boy Wonder” Isaacs, have a great time on your birthday. You deserve it, you’re a “Giant” in this World. Peace and Love, Brother Zach Husser & Family

PS: The Friends of John “Boy Wonder” Isaacs need to put pressure on the election committee at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame so they can induct John. Mr. Isaacs deserves to have his “Bust” sitting in the Hall of Fame with all of the other greats, just like HIM!

Richard
15 years ago

Happy Birthday John….What a great life hope you enjoy your special day.

15 years ago

Claude,
Thanks so much for the birthday announcement for John Isaacs, 94 years young tomorrow.
John Isaacs is a walking, talking, demanding, energetic mentor for young and old alike, pointing us towards the greatness we all could become if we would just work it on out.
Way beyond the many accolades and awards he has received, and the many more he still should receive for his athletic achievements, we must pay respect to all he has done to break barriers of race and ignorance and to give back to the communities he has so well served, especially his efforts to point us all to the future; and to develop and guide the future, our youth.
John, Best wishes for a happy and great 94th and many more to come!
See you both in Atlantic City this weekend!
Cheers, Bob Allen
The Souls of Black Baseball, director
(dreamsdeferred.org)

Chrysa Chin
15 years ago

Happy Birthday John Issacs. I have a lot of respect for you and all that you’ve accomplished on and off the court. I even have a photo of you in my office!

Chrysa Chin-NBA

15 years ago

Happy birthday to the last living member of the 1943 world champion Washington Bears.

15 years ago

John, Happy Birthday and I hope you have many many more. You are the greatest! Much love.

15 years ago

John….Don’t know what you’ve been eating all of these years; but, whatever it is please let me know….I want to grow up like you. Then too, I’ve read a lot about your history and it’s admirable. You ARE a legend. Best wishes for your 94th and that proves that this number is just a umber. It is my belief that what is remaining in all of our lives, in the later years, is to bring back the great memories of events we were involved in especially pro basketball. For my Association, we send the best of of everything for you.
bill tosheff-President
Pre-1965 NBA Players Ass’n

Boone
15 years ago

Happy Birthday Mr. Isaac’s and thank you for so much history…I wish I could be there…

15 years ago

Happy birthday John Issacs. You are a true basketball pioneer.

bill wheeler sr
15 years ago

HI JOHN
BILL WHEELER SR. JUST LIKE TO WISH YOU A BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY

WE GO BACK A LONG WAY, WHEN I SEE YOU I THING OF ARNOLD HASSELL

LOVE YOU KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

GOD BLESS

Irene Mays
15 years ago

Congratulations! John,
Since I last saw you during the summer with Ness at Syd’s house, I see you’re still doing your Issacs thing. It’s been my pleasure knowing you and working with an icon. Remember our association with the Pelham Fritz Organization at the Bathhouse. Yes!!
God’s blessings, lov ya!!

Happy Birthday John
15 years ago

Happy belated with love

Joe & Gwen

Claire
15 years ago

Claude – Thanks for sharing this. I’ve had the pleasure and honor to meet Mr. Isaacs a couple of times and each time marveled at how youthful he is. At 94, he has more energy and verve than many people half his age – and also has more charm and humor, wisdom and wit than most – and certainly has made more than a lifetime’s worth of contribution. I have much admiration and respect. Happy Birthday!

FRED CRAWFORD SR
15 years ago

JOHN, ARTIE ,GEORGES TOLD ME THAT YOU ARE TRICKING EVERYBODY.YOU CANT BE 94,AND DOING WHAT YOU DO.YOU KNOW I SAW YOU AT COOKIES PARTY! LAST WEEK.GUMMIES SON.LOVE YOU.

Michael George
15 years ago

Happiest of birthdays to you Mr. Isaacs…as long as I’ve known you, you remain an inspiration to me and to all around you. My signed autographed poster of you and The Rens adorn my wall proudly…take care and be well…

15 years ago

As Stevie Wonder says….HAPPY Birthday to YA! HAPPY Birthday to YA! Happy Birthdayyyyyy!!!
What a legacy!

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