Former NBA player and Syracuse University legend Lawrence Moten was found dead in his Washington, D.C. residence at age 53, leaving many in the Syracuse and D.C. communities shocked and searching for answers.
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According to Syracuse.com, his daughter, Lawrencia, confirmed he was found dead in his home in the nation’s capital on Tuesday, Sept. 30. No cause of death has been released.
In June, the D.C. native returned to his hometown after accepting a job as general manager of the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams at Digital Pioneers Academy. The school released a heartfelt message honoring the legacy of the late basketball legend.
“While Lawrence was known nationally for his basketball career, we knew him as a man dedicated to kids, families, and community. He was a valued member of our school community and a source of inspiration for our staff and students. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him,” said Mashea Ashton, CEO of Digital Pioneers Academy.
Nicknamed “Poetry in Motion” for his smooth play on the court, the shooting-guard is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Syracuse history.
The shooting guard finished his collegiate career with 2,334 points, remaining the program’s all-time leading scorer despite not having played for the Orange since 1995. He also helped Syracuse reach the NCAA tournament in three of his four seasons.
“I used to call him Mr. Smooth, because he was so smooth and scored so effortlessly with the high socks on,” TikToker @breakitdownsports718 said.
Even one of the NBA’s all-time leading scorers, Tracy McGrady, studied Moten for his ability to be a dynamic scorer at 6-foot-5.
After college, Moten spent two seasons with the Vancouver Grizzlies and a stint with the Washington Wizards before continuing his career overseas in Spain and Venezuela, as well as in the U.S. minor leagues.
Moten’s daughter reflected on his passing in a post on X.
“I can’t express the pain, but I’m forever grateful to have had him as a dad,” she wrote.
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