The name Wat Misaka is re-entering the lexicon of New York City’s basketball faithful. A Japanese American born and raised in Utah, Misaka was the first person of color ever to play in the NBA. In 1947, three years before Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper and the Knicks’ Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton (and 52 years before Yao Ming set foot on NBA hardwood) the 5-7 guard who started at point for the two-time National Champion Utah Utes was not only the first non-Caucasian ever drafted but the first draft pick by the New York Knickerbockers. Ever.
You might have read George Vecsey’s recent poignant and bittersweet article in The New York Times about Wat’s return to the Garden for the first time in more than 50 years. You might have heard about the documentary currently arranging its possible release on the MSG network. You might have even seen the Wat Misaka t-shirts I’ve been wearing around.
It’s great to finally start seeing Wat get some recognition but nobody is happier than documentary filmmakers Bruce and Christine Toy Johnson, who earlier this month, helped get Wat enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame as the pioneer the man himself never really thought he was. The Johnsons have been instrumental in bringing Wat back into the New York basketball consciousness, where he belongs.
As unlikely as his story might already seem, you have to see this doc to truly appreciate it. What Misaka was able to accomplish through basketball as a Japanese American during World War II is quite simply inspiring. From his humble days in Utah to the bright lights of the NCAA Championship at Madison Square Garden where he rose to national prominence, where many a baller before and many a baller after became legends.
That’s where Misaka made his name. So, on behalf of New York City’s great obsession, its deep roots and storied history and all those here who love this game with just such fervor… welcome back.
To find out more info about Wat Misaka or the documentary, visit www.watmisaka.com.
Upcoming screenings of “Transcending: The Wat Misaka Story” will be at the San Diego Asian Film Festival in late October (dates to be released). Bruce and Christine are currently working on clearing music rights for its possible release on the MSG Network. If you are interested in helping out their cause, let me know and I’ll forward you on.
Pic courtesy of www.watmisaka.com.
August 25th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Bobbito Garcia a.k.a. Kool Bob Love says:
yo ren-
inspiring piece, would love to see the doc when it’s done. it has my support! i love his matching burgundy laces on his converse hi-tops to go with his uni. that’s flavor, 1940s steez!
August 25th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Ren Hsieh says:
Haaa… figures the first thing you notice is the sneaker setup! I’m in touch with the filmmakers regularly, I’ll definitely post when the doc is ready for broadcast.
August 25th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
nosmelone says:
You’d be suprised how many people in Utah have never even heard of him. Having grown up in SLC and still currently living there, I’ve only recenlty heard of him in the past 5 years. Utah is a die hard basketball state but will never have a real streetball scene because there is an LDS (Mormon) church on every corner and they all have nice full court gyms(we’re spoiled). But believe the talent here is right on point with any other state per capita. There are still some nice outdoor courts though (Sugar House) that get a lot of talent in the summers. Back in the day my brother used to be a local legend who would give some of the Jazz new comers a workout at the Deseret Gym. He has put in work on Blue Edwards, David Beniot (both were great ballers though) but my brother admits that Andre Miller is the best basketball player he’s ever played against. Big ups Utah. Lets not forget where FUTURE played college ball!
August 25th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Nelson says:
Haha. lets go Utah baby. this is a great story. Go utes. this is the first time hearing about him and i’m definitely hyped about seeing the documentary.
Utah getting some love in Bounce, sweet.
August 26th, 2009 at 11:47 am
ali says:
i love learning about stuff like this. can’t wait to see the doc.