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** OCA Remembers Wat Misaka, First Non-White NBA Player
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
23 November 2019
Contact: Thu Nguyen | Senior Communications Manager
202.223.5500 |
[email protected]
Washington, DC - OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates mourns the loss of the first person of color to play in professional basketball, Wat Misaka. He passed away on Wednesday at the age of 95 in Salt Lake City, UT.
Drafted onto the New York Knicks team in 1947, Misaka was a pioneer as the first non-White NBA player, breaking ceilings even before Earl Lloyd joined the Washington Capitols in 1950 as the first Black professional player. Although he only played three games with the Knicks, Misaka set a precedent that would inspire generations to come - including Jeremy Lin. His contributions and leadership were recognized by OCA when he received the OCA Pioneer Award at the 2010 OCA National Convention in Houston, TX.
“We send our warmest condolences to Wat Misaka’s family, friends, and fans,” said Sharon M. Wong, OCA National President. “May Wat Misaka, who has made equally great impact off the courts, rest in power.”
OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national organization of community advocates dedicated to improving the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).
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