Chinatown in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Willie "Woo Woo" Wong

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 12, 2021

1. Willie "Woo Woo" Wong Marker

Inscription. Standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall, Willie "Woo Woo” Wong grew up in San Francisco to become one of the preeminent sport stars of the 1940's and 1950's. As a youngster, he perfected his basketbal skills during early morning work-outs at Chinese Playground. He was named to the 1945 All-City prep team and starred in San Franeisco's Pacific Association tournament, where his remarkable basketball-shooting skills and exciting style of play pleased the Crowds who chanted Woo Woo” every time he scored. In 1948 and 1949 Willie led the San Francisco Saints team to a pair of Asian national champiouships. Regarded as one of the finest passers and floor men ever, Willie was recruited by legendary coach Pete Newell to play for the University of San Francisco Dons varsity squad in 1949-1950. When USF played in the National Invitation Tournament later that year, Willie became the first Chinese American to play in Madison Square Carden in New York.

He was an exceptional citizen, parent and commmunity role model, a member of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance and alumnus of St. Mary's Chinese School and Center. Proclaimed in the press as the "biggest little man in basketball", he was one of the most gifted athletes of his generation.

Erected by Chinese American Citizens Alliance San Francisco

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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Sports.

Location. 37° 47.604′ N, 122° 24.427′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Chinatown. It can be reached from the intersection of Sacramento Street and Pagoda Place / Hang Ah Alley. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Francisco CA 94108, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on California’s Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hang Ah — 香雅 (a few steps from this marker); First Chinese Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Hang Ah Alley (within shouting distance of this marker); Far East Café (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Old St. Mary’s (about 500 feet away); The Birthplace of a Great City (about 500 feet away); Watershed History (North Shore) (about 500 feet away); Site of San Francisco’s First Book Store (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

More about this marker. The marker is at the foot of the stairs connecting the two levels of the Willie "Woo Woo" Wong playground in the interior of the park.

Also see . . . Willie "Woo Woo" Wong (Wikipedia).

Willie "Woo Woo" Wong Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 12, 2021

2. Willie "Woo Woo" Wong Marker - wide view

Showing the lower level of the Willie "Woo Woo" Wong playground, with the marker on the left. The mural, circa 1998, depicts the playground prior to an earlier renovation, when it was known as "Chinese Playground". The playground was renamed to honor Mr. Wong in 2006.

"Willie Wong (traditional Chinese: 黃顯護; simplified Chinese: 黄显护...) (1926 - 2005) was an American basketball player who was born and raised in Chinatown, San Francisco. Though Wong was only 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) tall, he excelled, and was known as one of the finest Chinese American basketball players in the 1940s. He was nicknamed Willie "Woo Woo" Wong by a local sportswriter because fans would shout "Woo Woo" when he scored."

(Submitted on June 13, 2021.)

Upper level of the Willie "Woo Woo" Wong playground - basketball court image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 12, 2021

3. Upper level of the Willie "Woo Woo" Wong playground - basketball court

Continuing the tradition....

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 804 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 13, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.