Crunchyroll All-Stars: James Wiseman on Learning to be a Leader from Goku

 

Anime fans come from all walks of life and in all shapes and sizes. Some are students, some are scientists, some are doctors, some are artists, and some are even nationally-recognized professional sports figures! Crunchyroll All-Stars is a series of interviews highlighting elite professional athletes who harbor a passion both for their sport and for anime. 

 

Today’s profile is on James Wiseman, a Center for the Memphis Tigers, and is a projected Top-3 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. An elite two-way player, Wiseman is also a big fan of anime ever since episode one of Dragon Ball Z. Crunchyroll had a chance to speak with him about growing up with the series, the anime fandom in basketball, how to approach finding your next anime, and more!

 

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When did you become an anime fan?  Was there a specific moment that affected you or changed the way you felt about something?

 

I became an anime fan when I was 8 years old. I’m a huge Dragon Ball Z fan, and have been since the first episode of Season One. I loved characters like Goku, Vegeta, Frieza, etc. 

Are there any ways you engage with your favorite anime series or characters aside from watching them? 

 

I make sure to always record Dragon Ball series so I can come back and watch them after basketball practice or a game.  I also have a variety of Dragon Ball Z shirts that I wear a lot. My favorite one is a Goku Black shirt that looks dope, and thrilling! 

 

Have you ever bonded with someone else over anime? 

 

Yes, my best friend and I are both huge fans of anime. I also still talk to friends from when I was a kid about what we watch and all the electrifying moments that happen in the different episodes.

What’s your favorite anime series of all time?

 

My favorite anime series of all time is Dragon Ball Z Kai! The battle between Goku and Frieza was literally the best episode of all time, in my opinion! 

Who’s your favorite anime character of all time?

 

My favorite anime character of all time is Goku, because of how he perseveres through the battle of defeat and still has the resilience to never back down from the challenge or quit. 

 

Who would you rank as the top anime hero ever?

 

I would say Goku, because he’s a legendary Super Saiyan with a fearless warrior mentality. 

Who would you rank as the top anime villain ever?

 

The top anime villain ever is Cell. Cell is like a ferocious, malicious mutant that destroys everything in his path. 

 

Have you ever taken any elements or learnings from anime and implemented them into your daily life? 

 

Yes, definitely. The idea of having resilience, courage, and bravery to never back down from a challenge no matter the obstacle is something that has inspired me. Also, having the pride and dignity to always be a leader and never be a follower. Lastly, having the mentality to be fearless no matter how omnipotent or powerful your opponent is. 

It feels like more and more athletes are showcasing their love for anime — what’s anime fandom like in basketball culture? And what do you think it is about anime that attracts athletes?

 

The anime fandom in basketball culture is outrageous! I feel that anime brings back old times when you were a kid, getting out of school, and turning on the TV to watch your favorite anime show. I think childhood memories are what attract athletes to anime because it was the one entertainment that could consume you. 

 

What would your message be to someone who recently discovered anime and was thinking about getting into it? 

 

I advise you to be ready for plenty of bold bloody battles. Be ready to discover different anime character abilities, and how they approach each battle. There’s a sense of humor in anime, but when the battle begins, it’s electrifying, entertaining, and eye-popping!

Source: Latest in Anime News by Crunchyroll!