Ed Wachter

Edward A. Wachter Jr (June 30, 1883 – March 12, 1966) was a professional basketball player and college coach. Wachter was born and raised in Troy, New York, the third of seven children to Theresa and Edward A. F. Wachter. Wachter did not attend high school or college and never married. Wachter served as City Assessor of Troy, New York from 1912 to 1920.

Professional basketball
Wachter began playing professional basketball in 1899. Wachter played for several professional teams in his 23-year 1,800 game career including the innovative New York based Troy Trojans with whom he won four league championships. Wachter was a dominant center and leading scorer for the Hudson River Valley and New York State Leagues from 1910 to 1915. Wachter did not play 1918-1919 following enlistment in the US Army and training in Fremont, California during WWI.

Head coaching career
Wachter was a college Men's Basketball coach for 35 years beginning when he played with the Utica Utes in 1915. Wachter was hired by Williams College as head Men's basketball coach in 1916. Wachter was head coach of Harvard Men's Basketball from 1920 to 1933 compiling a record of 121-81 (0.599). While at Harvard, Wachter also served as the Harvard Men's sculling and crew coach.

Basketball innovation
With his brother Lew Wachter as well as Jack Inglis, Bill Hardman and Jimmy Williamson, Wachter was instrumental in pioneering offensive strategies such as the bounce pass, screens, 5 man offense and long passing. The Wachter brothers introduced the rule that free throws are taken by the player fouled rather than a designated foul shot player. While at Harvard, Wachter authored "How to Play Basket Ball" in 1926. Wachter also wrote about how the game of basketball could be improved through uniform regulations, rule interpretations and acquiring fundamental skills. In 1927 Wachter voiced strong opposition to the existing one bounce dribble rule. In 1958, Wachter designed an experimental six game basketball tournament at Union College in Schenectady, New York. Four teams from Union College, Hamilton College, Siena College  and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute competed  with a rim raised to 10 foot 5 inches and 20 inches from the backboard. Wachter noted that the changes to the rim “minimized the inordinate advantage the tall player now enjoys”.

Life after coaching
Wachter returned to Troy following coaching at Harvard College. Upon his return, he was appointed by the Troy School District as director of physical education. By 1936 he had become the Commissioner of Recreation for the city of Troy. Wachter retired from his Commissioner duties in 1958 after 22 years of service. He was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1961.