ROCHESTER, Mich. — Harry Haskell “Bucky” Lew, recognized as the first African-American to play professional basketball, will be posthumously enshrined in the American Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
The free induction ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, August 30, at Oakland University basketball Thank you babe look up Pleasure to see Mr. Lou practice facility in Rochester, Michigan.
Lew made history in 1902 when, at age 18, he signed with the Lowell Pawtucketville Athletic Club of the New England Basketball League. He later joined Haverhill, where he became known as an excellent passer, determined defender and aggressive scorer who frequently guarded the league’s fastest players.
Despite suffering two serious shoulder injuries and encountering racial discrimination, Lew remained a respected competitor. When Natick players protested his presence during the 1904–05 season, league president Fred Cunningham fined the team $50 and declared that there would be no color line in the league.
After the New England Basketball League folded for financial reasons, Lew continued playing on independent and semi-professional teams throughout New England. His basketball career lasted until 1926, when he played his final game at age 42. Lew died in 1963.
“It will be a great pleasure to see Mr. Lew inducted into the American Basketball Hall of Fame,” said founder and CEO LaMont “ShowBoat” Robinson. “Bucky Lew opened the door for every Black basketball player who followed—including me. I had a 28-year career, and I know I stood on his shoulders. We owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude.”
Robinson added that he hopes the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will soon also recognize and induct Lew.
The 2026 induction class includes:
- Bucky Lew — Player and basketball pioneer
- Julius McCoy — Player, Michigan State University and Eastern Basketball League
- Debbie Miller-Palmore — Player, Boston University
- Marvin Owens — Player, University of Detroit
- Michael Rizik — Contributor, Eastern Basketball League
- Frank Sincek — Coach, Farrell High School
- Benny White — Player, Michigan State University
- Tom Wilson — Contributor, Detroit Pistons and NBA
Founded in 2019, the American Basketball Hall of Fame has honored more than 125 players, coaches and contributors, including Larry Bird, Isiah Thomas, Dick Vitale and Michigan State University coach Tom Izzo.
EVENT INFORMATION
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan
Admission: Free
