Bobby Wanzer facts for kids
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 4, 1921 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Died | January 23, 2016 (aged 94) Pittsford, New York, U.S. |
| High school | Benjamin Franklin (New York City, New York) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Listed weight | 170 lb (77 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Seton Hall (1942–1943, 1946–1947) |
| NBA Draft | 1948 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10th overall |
| Selected by the Rochester Royals | |
| Pro career | 1948–1957 |
| Coaching career | 1955–1987 |
| Career history | |
| As player: | |
| 1948–1957 | Rochester Royals |
| As coach: | |
| 1955–1959 | Rochester / Cincinnati Royals |
| 1963–1987 | St. John Fisher |
| Career highlights and awards | |
As player:
As coach:
|
|
| Career BAA and NBA statistics | |
| Points | 6,924 (12.2 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 1,979 (4.5 rpg) |
| Assists | 1,830 (3.2 apg) |
Robert "Bobby" Francis Wanzer (born June 4, 1921 – died January 23, 2016) was an American professional basketball player and coach. He played his entire career for the Rochester Royals team. Bobby was a five-time NBA All-Star and won an NBA championship in 1951.
He also coached the Royals for a few years, even while still playing. After retiring as a player, he coached college basketball for 24 years. Bobby Wanzer was honored by being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987.
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Bobby Wanzer's College Basketball Career
Bobby Wanzer was a 6-foot-tall guard who played college basketball at Seton Hall University. In his second year, he helped Seton Hall achieve an impressive 16–2 win-loss record.
After his sophomore year, Bobby joined the United States Marine Corps. While serving, he played on the All-Pacific Armed Forces All-Star basketball team. He also took part in the occupation of Guam.
Bobby Wanzer's Professional Basketball Career
The Rochester Royals chose Bobby Wanzer in the 1948 draft. A coach from Seton Hall, Bob Davies, helped guide Bobby to the Royals team. At first, Bobby was a backup player.
Later, he and Bob Davies formed a strong duo in the backcourt. The Royals were very successful from 1947 to 1954. Bobby Wanzer was a key player for the team. In the 1950–51 season, Bobby helped the Rochester Royals win the National Basketball Association (NBA) championship.
Bobby played his whole professional career with the Royals. He retired from playing after the 1957 season. He was chosen as an All-Star five times during his career. He was also named to the All-NBA Second Team three times in a row. In the 1951–52 season, Bobby Wanzer made history. He became the first player ever to shoot over 90% from the free throw line in a single season.
Bobby Wanzer's Coaching Career
Bobby Wanzer started coaching the Royals while he was still playing. He was a player-coach for two years. After the team moved and became the Cincinnati Royals, he coached for one more season.
His 1957–58 Cincinnati Royals team was very strong. They were considered a contender for the NBA championship. However, injuries to key players prevented them from winning. Bobby left the team early the next season.
In 1962, Bobby Wanzer became the first coach at St. John Fisher College. This college is located in Pittsford, New York. He coached the college team for 24 seasons. He also worked as the school's athletic director.
Bobby Wanzer's Personal Life
Bobby Wanzer passed away on January 23, 2016. He died at his home in Pittsford, New York. He was survived by his children and grandchildren.
Bobby Wanzer's Legacy and Honors
Bobby Wanzer received many honors for his basketball career. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987. This is one of the highest honors in basketball.
He is also a member of the Seton Hall College Hall of Fame. In 1991, he was inducted into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame. On August 17, 2007, Bobby Wanzer was also honored by being inducted into the United States Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame.
