Former Syracuse basketball star Lawrence Moten is no longer with us. He was considered one of the greatest players in Syracuse basketball history.
Moten’s daughter, Lawrencia, broke the sad news of her dad’s passing. He was reportedly found unresponsive in his house in Washington, D.C. on September 30, 2025.
Moten played basketball for Syracuse University from 1991 to 1995.
He scored more points than anyone else in the school’s history, with a total of 2,334 points. On average, he scored about 19 points in each game over his four years.
Syracuse University is mourning the loss of the basketball star. Legendary coach Jim Boeheim described Moten as a highly talented player whose skills were sometimes underrated because he made the game look so easy.
Boeheim said that Moten was one of the best players in Syracuse and Big East history, and that his sudden passing is difficult for the basketball community.
Similarly, current Syracuse coach Adrian Autry, who was Moten’s teammate in the 1990s, remembered him as a positive and dedicated player who loved Syracuse basketball.
Autry recalled that playing alongside Moten for three years was an honor and that Moten had a unique personality that left a lasting impact on everyone around him, including his family and friends.
As mentioned, the late NBA star played for Syracuse from 1991 to 1995 and scored an average of 19.3 points per game over four seasons.
He helped lead the team to the NCAA Tournament in 1992, 1994, and 1995, missing only the 1993 tournament due to a school ban.
In recognition of his achievements, Syracuse retired his jersey No. 21 in 2018. After college, Moten played parts of three seasons in the NBA for the Vancouver Grizzlies and Washington Wizards.
With those NBA teams, he averaged 6.3 points per game in 119 career games. The Washington native recently returned to his hometown to serve as a general manager for a local high school basketball team as a part of his contribution to the sport he loved.
Syracuse Athletic Director John Wildhack noted that the late legend was a true icon for the university. He added that Moten’s scoring records, his exciting style of play, and the lasting influence he had on fans and the Syracuse basketball community.
Wildhack stressed that Lawrence’s energy, positivity, and passion for the game will be remembered by all who knew him.
Lawrence Moten Was A Family Man
To the world, Lawrence Moten might have been one of the greatest basketball players, but to his family, he was a beloved son, devoted husband, and caring father.
The former NBA player was married to Noelene Moten, who also went to Syracuse University and graduated in 1994.
Together, the Moten couple had two daughters, named Lawrencia and Leilani. Lawrencia has followed her father’s path by being involved in sports media.
Lawrence’s daughter Lawrencia, is carrying on his love and passion for the sport, keeping his legacy alive.
She often shares what it was like growing up with a father who was a basketball legend. The Moten family is very close and shares a strong love for basketball.
Talking about the late player’s childhood, he grew up in Washington, D.C., with the support of his mother, Lorraine Burgess, and his grandmother, Grace Ellison, who were very important in raising him.
His family life was always about strong bonds and staying connected to their community.
In a 2011 interview, Moten spoke about his happiness, saying he had been “happily married for 16 years” and had “two beautiful girls.”
At that time, he was also working as a physical education teacher in Maryland. He showed how much he cared about teaching and helping young people.
Moten might no longer be with us, but his legacy and memories will be with us forever.
In Case You Don’t Know
- Lawrence Moten once coached a team of deaf athletes. He joined Gallaudet as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team during the 2015–2016 season.
- He played basketball in countries like Spain and Venezuela, exploring the world while following his passion.
- Off the court, he inspired and guided young kids in his community.
