Wat Misaka Signed AUTO Letter Album Page from 1947 Utah New York Knicks 1st Japanese American to Play in the NBA PSA/DNA

Wat Misaka, a Japanese American, was the first player of Asian descent and the first non-Caucasian person to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA), known then as the Basketball Association of America (BAA).

He played college basketball for the University of Utah and led his school to the 1944 NCAA and 1947 NIT championships. Misaka took off two years between these titles to serve in the United States Army in the American occupation of Japan. He played three games for the New York Knicks in the 1947–1948 season.

This 5” x  3” album page was written and signed by Misaka.  He writes, “Mar 28, ’44 Dartmouth 40 Utah 42. Red Cross Benefit at Madison Square Garden.

Mar 30, ’44 St. John’s 36 Utah 43

We were called the “Blitz Kids” and we made a big hit with the New York fans.

Wat Misaka”

This piece dates from the 1940s

 

**NOTE FOR SALE**



Item: 13818

Price: $1.00
Wat Misaka Signed AUTO Letter Album Page from 1947 Utah New York Knicks 1st Japanese American to Play in the NBA PSA/DNA