Ed Tapscott facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ed Tapscott
Born	(1953-06-11) June 11, 1953 (age 72) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Education	Tufts University (BA) American University (JD)
Occupation	Sports Executive

Edmond A. Tapscott III (born June 11, 1953) is an American sports leader and former basketball coach. He used to be the temporary head coach for the NBA team, the Washington Wizards.

Ed Tapscott's Coaching Journey

Ed Tapscott studied at Tufts University and later earned a law degree (called a J.D.) from American University Washington College of Law. While studying law in the 1970s, he helped coach basketball at American University. In 1982, he became the head coach. By 1990, when he left to work in sports marketing, he was known as a very successful coach.

Big Wins in College Basketball

One of his team's biggest wins happened on December 15, 1982. In only his fifth game as coach, Tapscott led the American University Eagles to a surprising 62–61 victory. They beat their local rival, Georgetown, who were ranked fifth in the country. Georgetown's team had a famous player named Patrick Ewing.

This game was also special because Coach Tapscott wore a heart monitor. His heart rate went from 68 before the game to 170 in the second half! Four years later, he almost beat Georgetown again, but they won 62–59.

Working in the NBA

For many years, Ed Tapscott worked as an executive in the NBA. He was the very first person hired to lead the Charlotte Bobcats team. He served as their Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Later, he became their president and CEO before leaving in 2006.

Tapscott also worked for the New York Knicks team. He was even their temporary president and general manager for a while. He is remembered for helping to build the Knicks team that reached the 1999 NBA Finals.

Coaching the Washington Wizards

On November 24, 2008, Tapscott became the temporary head coach for the Washington Wizards. He took over after the team had a tough start to the season. The Wizards' general manager, Ernie Grunfeld, said Tapscott would lead the team for the rest of that season.

Tapscott's first game as a professional coach was against the Golden State Warriors on November 25, 2008. The Wizards won that game! During the 2008–2009 season, the Wizards had a record of 18 wins and 53 losses under Tapscott.

After Flip Saunders became the Wizards' new coach, Tapscott went back to his role helping players develop their skills.

Head coaching record

See also

In Spanish: Ed Tapscott para niños