Who founded and managed the New York Rens?

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The New York Rens were founded and managed by Bob Douglas, a West Indian immigrant who became a pivotal figure in professional basketball history.1

Douglas transitioned into the professional ranks by forging a business partnership with William Roach, who owned the Renaissance Casino and Ballroom in Harlem. Under this agreement, Douglas provided the team—which he renamed the Renaissance Big Five (or "Rens")—to play at Roach's facility in exchange for practice and playing space, with Roach receiving a percentage of the ticket revenue.1

While Douglas served as the primary manager and driving force behind the team's success, the Rens also featured a player-manager, Clarence ("Fat") Jenkins, who was part of the team's talented roster during their championship-winning era.1