From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia William "Pop" Gates (August 30, 1917 – December 1, 1999) was an American professional basketball player. Early life He was born in Decatur, Alabama and attended high school in New York, New York. After playing college basketball at Clark Atlanta University, he continued his basketball career in New York City. Basketball career He started his professional basketball career with the Harlem Renaissance, beginning in 1938–39. "Seven months before Jackie Rob ...