Lawrence Moten, Syracuse and NBA Star, Dies at 53
Lawrence Moten, the American basketball standout best known for his legendary career at Syracuse University, has died at the age of 53. Moten, who starred for the Orange from 1991 to 1995 and became the school’s all-time leading scorer, was found dead in his Washington, D.C. home on September 30, 2025. Authorities and his family have not publicly disclosed an official cause of death, and reports indicate no foul play is suspected.
Moten, nicknamed “Poetry in Moten” for his smooth scoring ability on the court, amassed a remarkable 2,334 career points at Syracuse — a program record that still stands. He also set the Big East Conference career scoring mark during his collegiate career.
After college, Moten was selected in the second round of the 1995 NBA Draft by the Vancouver Grizzlies, where he played two seasons before a shorter stint with the Washington Wizards. He went on to play professionally in the Continental Basketball Association and overseas before transitioning into coaching and youth development.
Friends, former teammates, and coaches remember Moten not only for his on-court exploits but also for his character and contributions to the basketball community. Tributes poured in following his passing, highlighting his lasting impact on Syracuse’s program and fans around the sport.