WALLY BACHMAN BASKETBALL
About Wally

Coach. Teacher.
Basketball lifer.

Walter “Wally” Bachman has spent more than four decades coaching high school basketball on Long Island, building a career defined by longevity, championships, leadership, and an enduring commitment to his players.

Wally Bachman
The Story

A career built around teaching the game.

A 1968 graduate of Jericho High School, Wally began his varsity boys' basketball head-coaching career at Valley Stream North High School in 1978. He remained there through 1992 before returning to his alma mater in 1993 to take over the Jericho High School boys' basketball program.

At Jericho, Wally built one of Nassau County's most respected programs. His teams captured five Nassau County Class A championships, eight conference championships, and the 2006 Long Island Class A championship. He was named Conference Coach of the Year seven times and was selected by Newsday as its Long Island Boys' Basketball Coach of the Year in 2013.

In January 2024, Wally earned his 500th career victory. By that point, he had coached nearly 700 players during his years at Jericho alone—an impact measured not just in wins, but in generations of players who learned the game under his direction.

Career Timeline

More than four decades on the sideline.

1968

Graduated from Jericho High School, the school he would later return to lead as varsity basketball coach.

1978–1992

Led the varsity boys' basketball program at Valley Stream North High School.

1993

Returned to Jericho and took over the varsity boys' basketball program at his alma mater.

2024

Recorded his 500th career varsity victory, a milestone celebrated by Jericho and the Long Island basketball community.

Hall of Fame Career

Recognition at the state, county, and school level.

Wally's career has been recognized by multiple halls of fame for both his success on the court and his influence on high school athletics.

2015

New York State Basketball Hall of Fame

Inducted in recognition of his achievements and influence as one of New York's distinguished high school basketball coaches.

Jericho

Jericho High School Hall of Fame

An especially meaningful honor for a Jericho graduate who later returned to lead the school's basketball program.

2018

Nassau County High School Athletics Hall of Fame

Recognized for a career in education and athletics that included varsity coaching in football, baseball, soccer, and basketball.

Leadership Beyond Jericho

Helping shape basketball across Nassau County.

Wally's impact has extended well beyond his own teams. He has served as President of the Nassau County Basketball Coaches Association and as Section VIII Boys' Basketball Coordinator, while also contributing to the Empire State Games, Exceptional Senior Games, and Nassau County's Top 100 basketball program.

PresidentNassau County Basketball Coaches Association
CoordinatorSection VIII Boys' Basketball
ContributorEmpire State Games & Exceptional Senior Games
DevelopmentNassau County Top 100 basketball program
Coaching Philosophy

Fundamentals first. Confidence follows.

Wally's approach is centered on teaching the details of the game, building confidence through repetition, demanding the right kind of competitiveness, and making basketball an experience players can carry with them long after a season ends.