Zack Clayton
Inducted:
2017
Player Stats:
Born:
April 17, 1913
Gloucester County, Virginia, U.S.
Died:
November 20, 1997
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Guard
College:
Simon Gratz
Zack Clayton was a pioneering athlete and sports figure whose influence spanned basketball, baseball, and boxing. Born in 1913 in Virginia and raised in Philadelphia, he starred as a guard with the New York Renaissance, helping lead them to the inaugural World Professional Basketball Tournament title in 1939 after an extraordinary 122-win season. He added another world championship with the Washington Bears in 1943 before playing with the Harlem Globetrotters.
Renowned for his defense, court vision, and leadership, Clayton stood among the era’s elite athletes. After retiring, he served over 40 years as a respected boxing referee, officiating marquee fights including Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman. A lieutenant in the Philadelphia Fire Department for 26 years, Clayton also gave back as a mentor in his community. His lasting impact across sports and civic leadership earned him induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.
Clayton's Awards & Records:
- Helped lead the New York Renaissance (Rens) to a 122–7 record in 1939, winning the first World Professional Basketball Tournament.
- Key player on the Washington Bears, who won the same tournament in 1943.
- Selected as a guard on the All-Tournament Team in 1939.
- Later became one of the first African American referees in professional basketball
Career Teams :
New York Renaissance (1930s–1940)
Washington Bears (1940)
Refereeing Career-
NBA Referee (1950s–1970s)
Career Stats::
Win:
122
Lose:
7
World Pro Championships:
1939 (Rens), 1943 (Bears)