Willie "Woo Woo" Wong

Willie "Woo Woo" Wong. . 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.