Search by the First Name of the HOFers
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)
Zelmo Beaty
Inducted:
2016
Player Stats:
6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
225 lb (102 kg)
Born:
October 25, 1939
Hillister, Texas, U.S.
Died:
August 27, 2013
Bellevue, Washington, U.S.
Position:
Center
College:
Prairie View A&M (1958–1962)
Zelmo Beaty was one of basketball’s most underappreciated big men, yet he quietly dominated in both the NBA and ABA during the 1960s and 70s. Drafted third overall in 1962 by the St. Louis Hawks, Beaty quickly established himself as a force in the paint. Known for his physical style, strong rebounding, and efficient scoring, he averaged a double-double over much of his career.
After several successful seasons in the NBA, Beaty joined the ABA’s Utah Stars and immediately made an impact—leading them to the 1971 championship while earning Playoff MVP honors. His powerful post presence, combined with consistency and leadership, helped legitimize the ABA.
Though often overlooked in his era, Beaty’s contributions were finally recognized with his posthumous induction into the Hall of Fame in 2016. A true pro’s pro, his legacy is etched in the history of two leagues.
Beaty's Awards & Records:
- ABA champion (1971)
- ABA Playoffs MVP (1971)
- 2× NBA All-Star (1966, 1968)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1963)
- 3× ABA All-Star (1971–1973)
- 2× All-ABA Second Team (1971, 1972)
- ABA All-Time Team
- NAIA tournament MVP (1962)
NBA Records:
- Scored 36 points and 16 rebounds in Game 7 of the 1971 ABA Finals, sealing the title.
- Averaged 22.9 PPG and 15.7 RPG during the 1971 ABA playoffs.
- Among the few players to be ABA Champion, All-Star in both leagues
- One of the most effective post players in ABA history.
Career Teams :
As a player:
St. Louis / Atlanta Hawks 1962–1969
Utah Stars 1970–1974
Los Angeles Lakers 1974–1975
As a coach:
Virginia Squires 1975–1976
NBA Draft:
1962: 1st round, 3rd overall pick
St. Louis Hawks
Number Worn:
14, 31
Career Stats::
Seasons
12 (1962–1975)
Games Played
889
Points:
15,207 (17.1 ppg)
Rebounds:
9,665 (10.9 rpg)
Assists:
1,365 (1.5 apg)
FG(%):
.494
3P(%):
.154
FT(%):
.771
PPG:
17.1
Sports Fan Products
NBA Hall of Fame
The NBA Hall of Fame, officially known as the Basketball Hall of Fame, is a prestigious institution that honors the greatest figures in the sport of basketball. Each year, the Induction ceremony celebrates legendary players who have made significant impacts on the game. The Hall of Fame class features basketball legends whose remarkable career achievements and iconic moments have defined the sport.
Inductees are recognized for their substantial player contributions, earning various awards and honors throughout their careers. The Hall also pays tribute to retired jerseys and acknowledges the profound impact on the game by highlighting the historic contributions of its members. With a focus on the legacy in basketball, the NBA Hall of Fame continues to celebrate excellence and inspire future generations of players through memorable speeches and recognition in sports.
