Bobby Wanzer
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born |
June 4, 1921 Brooklyn, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Listed height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Listed weight | 170 lb (77 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Seton Hall (1942–1943, 1946–1947) |
| Pro career | 1947–1957 |
| Position | Guard |
| Number | 9 |
| Career history | |
| As player: | |
| 1947–1957 | Rochester Royals |
| As coach: | |
| 1955–1959 | Cincinnati Royals |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
| Career BAA and NBA statistics | |
| Points | 6,924 (12.2 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 1,979 (4.5 rpg) |
| Assists | 1,830 (3.2 apg) |
| Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
| Basketball Hall of Fame as player | |
Robert Francis "Bobby" Wanzer, also known as "Hooks" Wanzer (born June 4, 1921) is an American former basketball player and coach. A 6'0" guard, he played collegiately at Seton Hall University, and was selected by the Rochester Royals in 1947. Royals star Bob Davies was a Seton Hall assistant and steered the star guard to the NBL contender. Initially a reserve behind Al Cervi and Red Holzman, Wanzer later teamed with Davies to form a potent backcourt for the day. The Royals were very successful 1947-1954, and their smaller stars, like Wanzer, were considered their biggest assets. With Wanzer, Rochester won the 1950-51 National Basketball Association (NBA) title.
He played his entire career with the Royals, retiring from play after the end of the 1957 season. Wanzer was a five-time All-Star with the Royals, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987. Wanzer was the first player to ever shoot over 90% from the free throw line in a season.[1]
Wanzer would also coach the Royals as well. He was a player-coach for two years, and then (after the franchise moved to Cincinnati, Ohio) coached for another season. His 1957-58 Cincinnati Royals were a NBA contender, but injuries stopped the team short. When star Maurice Stokes was permanently injured, Wanzer moved on early the following NBA season. He later coached St. John Fisher College in Pittsford, New York.
On August 17, 2007 he was inducted into the United States Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame.
References
External links
- Bobby Wanzer at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
- Basketball-Reference.com: Bobby Wanzer (as player)
- Basketball-Reference.com: Bobby Wanzer (as coach)
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