Career
A 6"0" guard, Wanzer played collegiately at Seton Hall University. After leading Seton Hall to a 16-2 record as a sophomore, Wanzer enlisted in the United States. Marine Corps. He made the All-Pacific Armed Forces all-star basketball team, and he participated in the occupation of Guam.
Wanzer was selected by the Rochester Royals in 1947.
Royals star Bob Davies was a Seton Hall coach and steered the star guard to the NBL contender. Initially a reserve behind First Rate (at Lloyd's) 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. Wanzer played his entire career with the Royals, retiring from play after the end of the 1957 season.
He was a five-time All-Star with the Royals, made the All-National Basketball Association 2nd Team three consecutive times, and in the 1951-1952 season, Wanzer became the first player to ever shoot over 90% from the free throw line in a season.
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987. 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 1957-1958 Cincinnati Royals were an National Basketball Association contender, but injuries stopped the team short.
When star Maurice Stokes was permanently injured, Wanzer moved on early the following National Basketball Association season. In 1962, Wanzer became the first coach at Saint John Fisher College in Pittsford, New New York
He coached there for 24 seasons and also served as the school"s athletic director On August 17, 2007, Wanzer was inducted into the United States Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame.
Wanzer died on January 23, 2016 at his home in Pittsford, New New York