Just in from Claude Johnson of www.blackfivesblog.com.
It’s with deep sorrow that I report the passing of former star basketball player and community leader John “Boy Wonder” Isaacs. John passed away this morning at the Albert Einstein Hospital in the Bronx, New York. He had suffered a major stroke last week, from which he never arose. He was 93 years old.
To help honor John, please feel free to leave a comment, share a memory, retell a story, offer a word of inspiration, or leave a parting thought.
The Bounce Familia extends our heartfelt support to Mr. Isaacs’s family. May he rest in peace. Thanks, John.
January 28th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
illest says:
RIP, Mr Isaacs. A true icon and legend. Its time for a documentary about black basketball in the 20s and 30s. I understand most of those people are no longer around and it might be hard to do but its very important.
January 28th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Sean Couch says:
Mr.Isaacs supported New York City Playground basketball to the fullest. An original at everything he did on and off the court. He will be missed.
January 28th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Casey Lee says:
When I think of the Harlem Rens, Mr. Issacs is the first name that comes to mind…
John Issacs needs a documentary, a court named after him, and a throwback jersey in his memory.
January 28th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Luis says:
RIP.
Maybe basketball is as great as we know it for people like him.
A pray for him.
January 29th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
J. T. O'Dea says:
I played for John at NYLIC 1950-1951. He was a great coach and teacher. We were undefeated and full of ourselves. He brought down some guys from uptown, Pop Gates was one of them and they crushed us. We were in our 20’s and some of these players were in their late 30’s and early 40’s. It was a good lesson.
John should have been in the hall of fame while he lived.
It’s not to late to do justice to his memory. He was an
honorable man. God rest his soul.
January 29th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
ali says:
thanks mr isaacs for your immeasurable contributions to our beloved game. i remember being transfixed, the first time i read about the great harlem rens. mr isaacs and the rens paved a path that was followed by millions.
January 30th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Claude says:
What’s maybe the most amazing thing about John “Boy Wonder” Isaacs — as you at Bounce know well — is that he showed up everywhere, at every playground, every league, every tournament. AND … worked every day. Right up to the end. He’ll live on in the hearts and memories of everyone who knew him, and in the stories we’ll tell. It was a privilege.
April 25th, 2009 at 4:39 am
PIERRE SHEPHARD says:
ON BEHALF OF MY FAMILY, I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THEIR SUPPORT. MY GRANDFATHER APPRECIATED YOU ALL.