Lawrence Moten

Syracuse Basketball Legend Lawrence Moten Passes Away at 53

Justin Rimpi

The basketball world lost one of its finest Tuesday morning when Lawrence Moten, Syracuse University’s all-time leading scorer, was found dead at his Washington, D.C. home. He was just 53 years old. His daughter, Lawrencia, confirmed the heartbreaking news that sent shockwaves through the Orange Nation and beyond. For those who witnessed Moten’s magic on the hardwood, this feels like losing a piece of our basketball soul.

The Poetry In Motion That Defined an Era

Moten wasn’t just a scorer – he was an artist with a basketball. Nicknamed “Poetry in Moten” for his silky-smooth playing style, the 6-foot-5 guard made putting the ball in the basket look effortless. During his four seasons at Syracuse from 1991-1995, Moten accumulated an astounding 2,334 points that still stands as the program record nearly three decades later.

Think about that for a moment. In an era where players jump to the pros after one or two seasons, Moten’s scoring record has survived the test of time, watching legends like Carmelo Anthony and others come and go without touching his mark.

His 19.3 points per game average does not tell the whole story. Moten had this uncanny ability to make big shots when Syracuse needed them most. Remember that corner three against Villanova? Or the clutch buckets against Georgetown? The man had ice water in his veins when the lights burned brightest.

Boeheim’s Tribute Says It All

Jim Boeheim, the legendary coach who recruited and developed Moten, struggled to find words adequate enough to describe his feelings. “Lawrence’s passing is such a sudden thing — it’s very hard to take,” Boeheim said. “He was one of the most underrated college basketball players of all time.”

Coming from a coach who’s seen everyone from Derrick Coleman to Carmelo Anthony grace his court, that is saying something. Boeheim often mentioned how he’d check the box score after games and be surprised by Moten’s point totals because the guard made it look so easy.

“I believe some people took his ability for granted because he made it look so easy,” Boeheim said. “Lawrence was one of our greatest players and one of the best in the history of the Big East Conference.”

More Than Just Numbers

Sure, the statistics are impressive. Moten held the Big East scoring record for 25 years until Marquette’s Markus Howard finally surpassed him in 2020. He led Syracuse to three NCAA Tournament appearances and earned second-team All-American honors as a senior.

But here’s what the numbers don’t show – Moten’s character. After his brief NBA career with the Vancouver Grizzlies and Washington Wizards, he returned to Syracuse and dedicated himself to education, working in the city school district. He was a constant presence at Orange games and community events, always sporting that infectious smile.

Current Syracuse Head Coach Adrian Autry, who played alongside Moten for three seasons, captured it perfectly: “I can’t think of anybody that was more positive or who loved Syracuse more than he did. He was one of the greatest to put on the uniform.”

A Legacy That Transcends Basketball

Moten’s jersey retirement ceremony in 2018 at the Carrier Dome was one of those special moments that reminded everyone why college basketball matters. Here was a kid from Washington, D.C. who came to Central New York and became part of the family forever.

Recently, Moten had taken a position as general manager of Digital Pioneers Academy’s basketball programs back in his hometown, continuing his mission to develop young talent. It’s fitting that someone who gave so much to the game was still finding ways to give back.

Athletic Director John Wildhack called Moten “a Syracuse icon,” and he’s absolutely right. “His style of play is what energized the Dome,” Wildhack said. “He was a fixture around the program long after his playing career, always with a smile on his face.”

The End Of An Era

Losing Moten at 53 feels cruel and unfair. This is a guy who should have been watching his scoring record fall someday, probably while sitting courtside at the Dome, cheering for whoever finally topped his 2,334 points.

Instead, we’re left with memories and highlights that don’t quite capture the full essence of what made Moten special. He represented everything great about college basketball – loyalty, consistency, and the ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.

The Syracuse basketball family lost more than a record-holder Tuesday. They lost a gentle soul who embodied what it means to be Orange for life. Poetry in Moten, indeed.

Justin has been a sportswriter for nearly a decade. He has previously written for 247 Sports an Sports Illustrated.

More Great Content