Bob Douglas was an American basketball pioneer and one of the most influential figures in the history of the game. He was the first African American to own and operate a professional basketball team, the New York Renaissance, and was a major force in the development of the sport.

Douglas was born in 1882 in Washington, D.C., and grew up playing basketball in the city's parks and playgrounds. He was a talented player and eventually joined the first professional basketball team, the Original Celtics, in 1923. He played for the Celtics for five years, helping them to win numerous championships.

Douglas then formed the New York Renaissance in 1928, becoming the first African American to own and operate a professional basketball team. The Renaissance was one of the most successful teams of its time, winning the first World Professional Basketball Tournament in 1939.

Douglas was also a major figure in the development of the game. He was a proponent of the fast-paced, high-scoring style of play that is still popular today. He was also a major advocate for racial equality in basketball, and was one of the first to recognize the talent of African American players.

Douglas' career in basketball spanned more than 25 years and he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1972. He was a major figure in the development of the game and his legacy lives on in the sport today.

🏀