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The Smart Set Athletic Club of Brooklyn was founded in 1904 and is credited with assembling the first formally organized fully independent African American basketball team, which debuted in 1907. Later that year the team became a founding member of the Olympian Athletic League, along with the St. Christopher Club, the Alpha Physical Culture Club, and the Marathon Athletic Club of Manhattan.
Smart Set members came from a tight-knit clique of well-educated, affluent, “old-money” African Americans who resided in what was then the predominantly white Stuyvesant Heights section of Brooklyn.
These players weren’t just prima donnas – their complete dominance of other all-Black basketball teams earned them the nickname “The Grave Diggers.” The Smart Set Athletic Club won the Olympian Athletic League championship title during its only two seasons, and they also won the first two Colored Basketball World Championships, for 1907-08 and 1908-09.
The Smart Set Athletic Club is a great example of how a small group of people came together as pioneers to create a new reality in the face of adversity and obstacles, despite having no road map and no guidelines other than their unyielding passion and commitment toward creating camaraderie and inspiring new standards of social achievement through exercise and sports.
A portion of net proceeds from the sales of our Black Fives assortment will benefit the The Black Fives Foundation, which works to inspire excellence by preserving, teaching, and honoring the pre-NBA history of African Americans in basketball.
Highlights
Overall rating: 4.750454 / 5 from 1102 reviews.
The Smart Set Athletic Club of Brooklyn, founded in 1904, is celebrated for its pioneering role in African American basketball history. Customers appreciate the product's great design, soft and comfortable fabric, and high-quality material. The fit and feel of the product are highly praised, with many customers describing it as perfect. While some customers had differing viewpoints on size, the overall quality and look of the product are consistently commended.
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"I bought these shirts for 4th of July, but also to support team USA as they battled in the World Cup. Our kids were SUPER excited to have matching shirts! All shirts were true to size (kids and adults). These shirts are high quality, a beautiful blue, and SO soft!!"
"Absolutely love this New York Knicks Homage shirt! The material is incredibly soft and comfortable—easily one of the most comfortable T-shirts I own. The vintage design looks fantastic, the fit is true to size, and the quality is outstanding. It's perfect for game days or just showing off your Knicks pride around town. If you're a Knicks fan, this shirt is a must-have. I'll definitely be buying more from Homage!"
"Soft, soft and BART makes it oh so silly. Love this shirt and fits perfectly. I do not rember what size I purchased and I’m. Or about to give you my measurements. Just make sure to roll up those short sleeves !!"
"Love that they have cool retro 70s/80s style designs for teams that no longer exist. This one is my favorite design thus far. The texture of these t shirts is so soft and nice too."
"Good quality, cool retro options. Just a lot of money for a tee shirt. With shipping it’s over 45 dollars."
"I've been searching a long time for a fourth of July celebrations go-to shirt, and leave it to Homage to come out with exactly the type of vibe I was looking for. Comfortable shirt, as is typical with the Homage brand. The perfect combination of understated design and amusing reference."
"Great shirt. Wearing it right now. Keep up the good work. PS: You have the Indianapolis Clowns shirt. Can you include the rest of the Banana Ball Teams?"
"Big fan of Homage shirts, I have quite a few. This particular one was definitely a rush job from the Knicks Championship. I gave it ONE wash, turned inside out and all on the correct settings. The shirt’s image came out completely cracked."
"Absolutely love this shirt. Super soft, great quality, looks great, fits perfect."
"I love all my Homage t-shirts. The graphics are vibrant and last wash after wash. Keep up the great work."
HOMAGE gear is designed for relaxed, easygoing comfort and runs true to size. Made from a soft cotton blend, pieces may shrink slightly after washing, so we recommend washing cold and tumble drying low to maintain the perfect fit. Need a hand? Check our Size Guide for tips.
Legendary Comfort® is the soft, all-day feel that makes HOMAGE gear unlike anything else. Every piece is designed to look, feel, and wear like a vintage favorite, giving you the perfect mix of buttery softness, timeless style, and fan-inspired nostalgia. From tees to jackets and everything in between, HOMAGE delivers comfort and style built for fans who live for the game, the team, and the moment.
Yes! All of our gear is officially licensed, featuring authentic logos, colors, and designs from your favorite teams, shows, and franchises. You can shop confidently knowing you’re getting genuine, high-quality merchandise.
We provide refunds and exchanges up to 60 days after the original purchase date for orders within the United States, and up to 30 days for orders outside of the United States. Refunds are credited to the card used in the original transaction. Duties and fees paid on orders will not be refunded.
Every piece is designed with vintage-inspired fabrics, classic graphics, and timeless details that honor the icons and moments you love. From retro team logos to throwback pop culture designs, our gear is all about bringing memories to life through style, making HOMAGE apparel soft, nostalgic, and fan-approved.