Wyatt Boswell
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| Position | Point guard |
| Born | 19 May 1919 (45 years) |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Nickname | Sonny |
Wyatt Boswell was an early African American professional basketball player. He played for a number of professional basketball teams including the Harlem Globetrotters from 1938 to 1941.
Player Profile and Personal Life
Wyatt “Sonny” Boswell was born on May 19, 1919, in Greenville, Mississippi, but grew up in Toledo, Ohio. He was known by the nickname "Sonny" throughout his career.Boswell played as a guard and was renowned for his long-distance shooting skills.
After retiring from basketball, Boswell settled in Chicago. He managed the Pershing Hotel and later owned a bowling alley called Sonny Boswell's South Park Bowl. Boswell passed away on October 19, 1964, at the age of 45 due to a heart attack.
High School Career
Boswell attended Scott High School in Toledo, Ohio.Professional Career
Wyatt "Sonny" Boswell had a long and varied professional basketball career spanning from 1937 to 1948.He began playing at the age of 18 with the Jesse Owens Olympians in 1937-1938. Boswell then joined the famous Harlem Globetrotters from 1938 to 1941, where he established himself as one of the great long-distance shooters of his era.
From 1941 to 1945, Boswell split time between the New York Rens and the Globetrotters. In 1940, he was named MVP of the World Professional Basketball Tournament after leading the Globetrotters to the championship win over the Chicago Bruins.
During the 1942-1943 season, Boswell played for the Chicago Studebaker Flyers in the National Basketball League, helping to integrate the previously all-white league. He was named to the All-NBL Second Team that season.
In the latter part of his career from 1945 to 1948, Boswell played for several teams including the Chicago Monarchs, Anderson Chiefs, Dayton Mets, and Ciralsky Meat Packers.
Throughout his career, he made seven consecutive appearances in the World Professional Basketball Tournament.
In 2022, Boswell was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a pioneer who helped break racial barriers in the sport.
Career Highlights
- 1943 - All-NBL Second Team
- 1940 - World Professional Basketball Tournament MVP
- 2022 - Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Wyatt Boswell FAQ
Who was Sonny Boswell?
Sonny Boswell was an early African American professional basketball player known for his time with the Harlem Globetrotters and as one of the first Black players in the National Basketball League.
What was Sonny Boswell's most significant achievement?
Boswell was named MVP of the 1940 World Professional Basketball Tournament after leading the Harlem Globetrotters to victory.
When was Sonny Boswell inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame?
Boswell was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022.