Syracuse basketball legend Lawrence Moten resided in Bowie, MD, with his wife, Noelene.
According to reports, former Syracuse basketball star Lawrence Moten passed away on September 30, 2025, at the age of 53.
Moten, the Orange’s all-time leading scorer with 2,334 career points, was found dead at his home in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.
Legendary Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said,
“This is a tragic day for the Syracuse basketball family,” “Lawrence’s passing is such a sudden thing — it’s very hard to take. He was one of the most underrated college basketball players of all time. I believe some people took his ability for granted because he made it look so easy. Lawrence was one of our greatest players and one of the best in the history of the Big East Conference.”
Jim Boeheim
Current Orange head coach Adrian Autry, a former teammate of his at Syracuse in the 1990s, also had kind words for Moten. He said,
“It’s a sad day for the Orange community,” “For me, Lawrence was not only a teammate, but a friend. I can’t think of anybody that was more positive or who loved Syracuse more than he did. Obviously, his basketball — he was one of the greatest to put on the uniform. It’s a big loss. “I was able to play alongside him for three years and watch him do some amazing things. I was fortunate to spend time with him on and off the court. I feel for his family, including his beautiful daughters. Lawrence was a positive light in this world. He was one of a kind. I’m going to miss him.”
Adrian Autry
Moten played at Syracuse from 1991 to 1995, averaging 19.3 points per game across four seasons.
He helped the Orange reach the NCAA Tournament in 1992, ’94, and ’95, missing the tournament in 1993 due to a one-year ban.
Moreover, Syracuse AD John Wildhack also mourned the loss of Moten. He said,
“Lawrence Moten was a Syracuse icon,” “His accolades as Syracuse’s all-time leading scorer and holding the Big East scoring record for 25 years speak for themselves, but his style of play is what energized the [Carrier] Dome and was deserving of his nickname ‘Poetry in Moten.’ He was a fixture around the program long after his playing career, always with a smile on his face. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Lawrence’s family and friends.
John Wildhack
Former Syracuse Basketball Star Lawrence Moten Had Two Children With His Wife
Basketball star Lawrence Moten was married to Noelene Moten. However, their exact wedding date has not been revealed yet.
Noelene is also a graduate of Syracuse University, class of 1994, and they met during their time in college.
She reportedly worked as a school counselor for Prince George’s County public schools.
As Noelene has stayed away from social media highlights, little is known about her personal life.
Lawrence and Noelene were blessed with two daughters, Lawrencia and Leilani Moten.
Lawrencia is a sports anchor and TV host who currently works with HBCU GO, an Atlanta, Georgia-based TV service.
She also works as a sideline reporter for Liberty University’s women’s basketball team. Through her NBC Coast TV profile, she revealed that her younger sister, Leilani, was employed at JPMorgan & Chase.
Currently, Lawrencia and Leilani are mourning the tragic loss of their supportive and devoted father, Lawrence Moten.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Moten attended Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, D.C., and the New Hampton School in New Hampton, New Hampshire, before playing his college ball at Syracuse University.
- He was selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies in the 2nd round (36th overall pick) of the 1995 NBA draft.
- After his basketball career ended, Moten worked with middle school youth in central New York.
