18 Sports remembers Syracuse legend Lawrence Moten

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – The basketball world mourns the loss of one of the all-time greats in Syracuse University history.

On Tuesday, Orange basketball legend Lawrence Moten was found dead in his Washington D.C. home at just 53. A cause of death has yet to be determined. Moten, known for his trademark high socks and silky smooth delivery, set Syracuse University men’s basketball’s all-time scoring mark with 2,334 career points. It’s a record that still stands. He averaged 19.3 points per game over the course of his four seasons for the Orange.

From 1991-1995, no Orange player captured the heats of fans more than Moten. #21 was considered #1 on so many levels during his time at Syracuse. Moten went on to play in the NBA for the Grizzlies and evolved into a coach and mentor for countless kids in the game.

As great of a basketball player Moten was, it was his heart that made him even more special off of the court. His words of wisdom and dedication to improving others made Moten stand out in helping the future. Moten’s legacy will be one that we may never see duplicated again.

A few years ago, in 2022, we had the opportunity to spend time with Lawrence in Syracuse reflecting on his storied career. His words will always resonate with us after discussing how legendary Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim coached him in practice. Moten was on a level all his own as a player and as a leader.

Watch our full tribute to the man best known as “Poetry in Motion,” a Syracuse legend we’ll never forget.

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