MEMPHIS, TN - Memphis born and raised, educated at the U of M, Lorenzen Wright was a Bluff City celebrity. A hometown boy who never forgot where he came from.
“Wright Found Dead,” read the Commercial Appeal. It's the headline no one wanted to read, now Tiger Nation is mourning the loss of one of its greats.
“The entire City of Memphis is bleeding right now,” said U of M Alum and former Tigers Football player Andre Johnson. “Believe me the entire city's bleeding.”
Johnson watched Lorenzen grow up. He knew him well and followed his career.
“By him growing up here going to college here and coming back and playing professional ball here, it really just made him really grounded here,” said Johnson.
And he gave back off the court.
“He purchased tennis shoes and jerseys for the AAU teams here, at his old high school, the plaques, the banquets, he even took the kids on trips,” said Johnson.
When news came the Bluff City had lost one of its favorite sons…
“I just couldn't believe it, just totally devastated,” said Johnson. “I mean, just totally devastated.”
“It's definitely something that the University's going to be feeling,” said U of M student Simon Ruleman. “And I think there are a lot of fans that are going to be feeling it too.”
Condolences are coming from all over. Facebook pages are popping up, dedicated to his memory. In less than 24 hours, thousands of people had joined these groups. Hundreds of people left messages: "R.I.P. big fella," one post read. "We love and miss Renzo," said another.
“I hope for his family they can get some kind of closure on this, although it's really just the beginning,” said Ruleman.
But he'll always be remembered for how he played and who he was.
“He was just a good guy, an all around good guy,” said Johnson. “There'll never be another one like him, believe me, there's not.”
Until we find out more about what happened, Tiger Nation is left to wonder, “Why?”
Wright played basketball at Booker T. Washington High School. He played for two years at the University of Memphis and five years with the Grizzlies.
U of M’s Athletics released this statement about Wright Thursday afternoon:
FORMER TIGER LORENZEN WRIGHT TRAGICALLY LOSES HIS LIFE AT 34 YEARS OF AGE
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – After a week of hoping for the best, Tiger Nation learned Wednesday evening that former University of Memphis basketball standout Lorenzen Wright had tragically died at the age of 34.
“The entire University of Memphis athletic family is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Lorenzen Wright,” said Memphis Director of Athletics R.C. Johnson. “He is and will forever be a part of the fabric that is Tiger basketball.
“Lorenzen and his teammates provided Tiger fans with so many wonderful memories and through his efforts helped continue the legacy of Memphis Tiger basketball. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lorenzen's parents, family and children."
One of the most exciting players to wear a Tiger uniform, Wright was a huge fan favorite in his two-year stint with the program. The Memphis, Tenn., native finished his career as one of the most decorated players in school history, earning All-America honors as a sophomore and Freshman All-America distinction in his inaugural collegiate campaign. A 1995 All-Great Midwest Conference first team pick and 1996 All-Conference USA first team selection, Wright is the only player in the program’s history to earn first team accolades from two different leagues.
As a freshman in 1994-95, he was named the Great Midwest Conference Newcomer of the Year, as well as earning Great Midwest Conference All-Newcomer Team and USBWA All-District Team honors. Wright was selected to the 1996 Conference USA All-Tournament Team his sophomore season.
A two-year letterwinner, Wright netted over 1,000 points and stands in the No. 43 spot on the Tigers’ career scoring chart with 1,026 points. The 6-foot-11 forward led Memphis in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots both years he wore the Blue and Gray and averaged a double-double for his career with 16.0 points and 10.3 rebounds. Wright finished his career with 31 double-doubles, which are the seventh-most in school history.
The freshman single-season and single-game rebounding record-holder, Wright helped lead the Tigers to back-to-back 20-win campaigns and consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen in 1995. During his two seasons, Memphis won the 1994-95 Great Midwest Conference regular season crown and the 1995-96 Conference USA regular season title.
Wright entered the NBA Draft following his sophomore campaign and was the No. 7 overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers. His last NBA season was 2008-09 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he also played with the Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings.
In the fall of 2009, Wright was inducted into the M-Club Hall of Fame.
