How did Lawrence Moten die? Inside details of the Syracuse basketball icon’s shocking death

The Syracuse basketball community is mourning the loss of Lawrence Moten, one of the most celebrated players in the program’s history, who passed away at the age of 53.

Moten, affectionately nicknamed “Poetry in Moten” for his smooth style of play, was found at his home in Washington, D.C., earlier this week. His daughter, Lawrencia, confirmed his passing. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Standing 6-foot-5, Moten became a household name in the early 1990s when he joined Syracuse straight out of Washington, D.C.’s Archbishop Carroll High School and New Hampton Prep. From 1991 to 1995, he poured in 2,334 points, making him the all-time leading scorer for the Orange — a record that remains unbroken. His 1,405 points in Big East competition stood as the conference benchmark for 25 years.

Former Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim, who recruited and guided Moten, called the news devastating. “Lawrence was one of the greatest players I ever coached and one of the finest in Big East history,” Boeheim said, describing him as underappreciated because of how effortlessly he dominated games.

Moten wasn’t just a scorer — he was a symbol of resilience. He arrived at Syracuse during an NCAA investigation that left the team with sanctions, yet he helped carry the Orange back to tournament play in 1994 and 1995. By his senior year, he was recognized as a second-team All-American. Fans adored his trademark high socks and his unmatched ability to make the game look graceful.

Adrian Autry, Moten’s teammate and now Syracuse’s head coach, remembered him warmly: “He was more than a great player; he was a great person. Playing alongside him was a privilege, and his love for Syracuse never faded.”

His No. 21 jersey was retired in 2018 at the Carrier Dome (now JMA Wireless Dome), cementing his place as an icon in the university’s history. Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack described Moten as “Forever Orange,” praising both his record-breaking career and the energy he brought to the Dome every time he stepped on the floor.

After college, Moten was drafted in the second round of the 1995 NBA Draft by the Vancouver Grizzlies. He later had a brief stint with the Washington Wizards and also played in the CBA, ABA, and overseas in Spain and Venezuela until 2006.

Even after his professional career, Moten’s heart remained in basketball. He worked with Syracuse youth and, more recently, returned to Washington, D.C., where he served as general manager for the boys’ and girls’ teams at Digital Pioneers Academy. Just months ago, he expressed excitement about bringing his new squad to play in Syracuse, a testament to his lifelong bond with the city and its basketball culture.

From dazzling Big East crowds to inspiring young players off the court, Lawrence Moten’s influence stretched far beyond the box scores. His legacy lives on not just in Syracuse’s record books but in the hearts of teammates, coaches, fans, and the many young athletes he mentored.

FAQs

Who was Lawrence Moten?
Lawrence Moten was a star guard for Syracuse University from 1991–1995, best known as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,334 career points.

What was Lawrence Moten’s nickname?
He was nicknamed “Poetry in Moten” for his smooth, graceful playing style that captivated Syracuse fans.

What records did Lawrence Moten hold?
Moten holds Syracuse’s all-time scoring record and once held the Big East career scoring record with 1,405 points, which lasted until 2020.

When was Lawrence Moten’s jersey retired?
His No. 21 jersey was retired by Syracuse University on March 3, 2018, at the Carrier Dome.

Did Lawrence Moten play in the NBA?
Yes. Moten was drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1995, later played briefly with the Washington Wizards, and also competed in the CBA, ABA, and overseas.

How did Lawrence Moten die?
Moten passed away at his home in Washington, D.C., at the age of 53. The exact cause of death has not been made public.