Basketball Loses Its 'Poetry in Moten'

A Syracuse University legend has made his final pass. Lawrence Moten, a prominent figure in 1990s college basketball and Syracuse's all-time leading scorer, died Tuesday at age 53, according to Syracuse athletics. His daughter confirmed he passed away at his home in Washington, DC, but the cause was not disclosed. Known as "Poetry in Moten" for his fluid style, the guard played for Syracuse from 1991 to 1995, tallying a record 2,334 points, per the New York Times. He left college as the Big East's leading scorer, a mark surpassed only in 2020. Syracuse honored him by retiring his No. 21 jersey in 2018.

Former Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said Moten was "one of the most underrated college basketball players of all time" in part because "he made it look so easy." Moten averaged 19.3 points and 4.9 rebounds over his college career, scoring double digits in 118 out of 121 games. He was named to the All-Big East first team three times and was the 1992 Big East Rookie of the Year.

Moten led the Orange to a conference tournament title in 1992 and three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the 1994 regional semifinals. When Syracuse was banned from the postseason in 1993, Moten chose to stay with the team, solidifying his reputation for loyalty and leadership. After graduating, Moten was selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies in the second round of the 1995 NBA Draft, playing two seasons there and later eight games with the Washington Wizards. His professional career continued in minor leagues and overseas. Lately, he'd been managing high school basketball teams in DC, per Syracuse.com.