Lawrence Moten, College Basketball Legend, Passes Away
A regrettable news shakes the basketball world. Lawrence Moten, an iconic figure from Syracuse University in the 1990s and holder of the program’s scoring record, has passed away at the age of 53. According to sources from the athletic department, staff received the news of Moten’s passing from various sources. It was reported that Moten was at his residence in Washington, D.C., at the time of his death. As of yet, the causes are unknown. Moten, a 6’5″ guard nicknamed “Poetry in Moten”, left an indelible mark on Syracuse history. During his four seasons (1991-94), he amassed 2,334 points. His mark of 1,405 points in the Big East was a conference record until 2020.Coach Jim Boeheim, who recruited and coached Moten, expressed his sorrow, calling the day tragic for the Syracuse basketball family.Lawrence’s passing is sudden, it’s very difficult to take in. He was one of the most underrated college basketball players of all time. I think some people looked down on his ability because he made it look easy. Lawrence was one of our best players and one of the best in Big East Conference history.
Jim Boeheim
Adrian Autry, Moten’s teammate for three seasons and Boeheim’s successor as coach in 2023, also mourned the loss. Athletics director John Wildhack described him as a Syracuse icon. “His accomplishments as Syracuse’s all-time leading scorer and holder of the Big East scoring record for 25 years speak for themselves, but his style of play is what energized the Dome. … He was a constant figure in the program long after his playing career, always with a smile on his face.” Moten was selected in the second round of the 1995 NBA draft by the Vancouver Grizzlies. He played two seasons with them and eight additional games with the Washington Wizards in ’98.I can’t think of anyone who was more positive or who loved Syracuse more than him. He was one of the greatest to wear the uniform. It’s a great loss. I was lucky enough to play alongside him for three years and watch him do incredible things. I was lucky enough to spend time with him on and off the court.
Adrian Autry
