Where did Wataru Misaka grow up and what was the neighborhood like?
Wataru Misaka grew up in a basement apartment on 25th Street in Ogden, Utah. The neighborhood was known as a ghetto filled with prostitution and crime.
Questions about Wat Misaka
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did Wataru Misaka win his first NCAA championship title?
Wataru Misaka won the NCAA tournament championship game over Dartmouth 42 to 40 in overtime during the 1943-44 season. He also captured the National Invitation Tournament championship by defeating Kentucky 49 to 45 in 1947.
Why were fans booing Wataru Misaka when he played for the University of Utah Utes?
Fans booed Wataru Misaka whenever he stepped onto the floor because Japan was at war with the United States. His teammates protected him from this hostility despite the tension surrounding the games.
How many games did Wataru Misaka play for the New York Knicks before being cut mid-season?
Wataru Misaka played only three games for the New York Knicks during the 1947-48 season before being released. He scored seven points total across those appearances with a field goal percentage of .231.
What year did Wataru Misaka die and how old was he at the time of his death?
Wataru Misaka died at age 95 on the 20th of November 2019 in Salt Lake City. He had been born in 1923 and lived through significant historical events including World War II and the civil rights movement.