Playwrights spotlight Wataru Masaka's legacy in Utah's basketball history with Kilowatt

The government meeting held on April 24, 2025, focused on the significant contributions of Wataru Masaka, a pioneering figure in professional basketball, and the recent efforts to highlight his legacy through the stage play "Kilowatt." The meeting began with an introduction to Masaka, who was born in Ogden, Utah, in December 1923 to Japanese immigrants. He made history as the first non-white athlete in professional basketball when he was drafted by the New York Knicks, a notable achievement that has remained largely unrecognized until recent years.

The discussion featured two guests involved in the production of "Kilowatt," which aims to bring Masaka's story to Utah audiences. Playwright Aaron Asano Swenson, originally from Anchorage, Alaska, shared his journey into writing and how he was approached by Jerry Rapier from Plan B Theatre to create the play. Swenson emphasized the importance of telling stories from BIPOC communities, noting that the momentum for such narratives is growing.

Actor Brian Keto, a native Utahan, also participated in the discussion, highlighting his extensive experience in acting and his involvement in the play. Both guests expressed their surprise at the lack of awareness surrounding Masaka's achievements, particularly in a state with a rich basketball culture.

Director Jerry Rapier elaborated on the play's focus, which centers on Masaka's life and his role in leading the University of Utah men's basketball team to its only two national championships in 1944 and 1947. Rapier, a Japanese American, conveyed his astonishment at not having heard Masaka's story until recently, underscoring the need for greater recognition of diverse contributions to sports history.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for the community to engage with Masaka's legacy and support productions like "Kilowatt" that celebrate underrepresented figures in sports. The discussion highlighted the importance of acknowledging historical contributions from all backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive narrative in the realm of athletics.