Lawrence Moten reflects on career highlights and coaching

2,334

That’s the number of points Syracuse basketball legend Lawrence Moten scored in his collegiate career, a record that has stood since he left SU after the 1995 season. He was one of the most prolific scorers in program history and that led to his number 21 hanging in the rafters.

Moten may be Syracuse’s all-time leading scorer, but that’s not all he wants his legacy to be.

We sat down with Moten to ask him about his legacy, favorite moments in his career and his thoughts on this year’s edition of SU basketball.

You had many great moments throughout your career here at SU. Which one sticks out to you the most?

The one that I remember most is from my freshman year. I was finally told that I would be the starter in the third game of the year against Florida State. I saw my name on the board and I was extremely happy. I left the locker room to find a payphone to call my mother. She screamed so loudly and she was happy, but one thing she said that stuck with me was, “Baby, don’t give it back.” I kept that starting position and was blessed to become the all time leading scorer in school history a few years after that.

Do you remember how many points you had that game?

I had 24 points and we beat Florida State by 20. It was at the Atlanta Hawks arena too.

You’ve had many great teammates during your years at SU. Who was the most influential?

I had quite a few good teammates, but I always had a favorite and he’s with me today: John Wallace. I did three years with that guy and he was a great player and motivator. He always came to work with great energy and that was something I always appreciated about him. I knew every game if I got my 25, he was gonna get his 25, so that was a guaranteed 50.

Your former teammate Adrian Autry is now the head coach for SU basketball. What has it been like to see him coach the team?

It’s great to see him as a head coach now. It’s definitely a blessing for him and something he has earned. I’ve been going to the practices this year and watching him give guys the tutelage they want. Adrian also always had that point guard mentality, so he was always a leader. Give him time to create his own legacy, but he’s doing really well so far.

Your legacy in Syracuse is obviously all-time leading scorer. What else do you want people to take away from your career?

When I first got to Syracuse it was a blessing to play basketball at a high level. I remember when I first got here, my mother told me to not just stay on the Hill, but to go meet and know people in the town. It’s not just about the University, it’s about the city too. It is definitely my second home. I live here now and I teach physical education at a middle school and I see it as my job to teach the youth what I’ve learned to help them. I see that as my legacy.

What has it been like giving young kids guidance as a teacher?

I don’t see myself as just a teacher, I see myself as a life coach. I teach them life skills, like how to be respectful and be respectful to themselves. I enjoy it a lot and they listen to me because of my experiences and what I’ve been through.

You played for coach Jim Boeheim. What was one thing he told you that stuck with you?

The funny thing about coach is that he never had to yell at me. My favorite thing he said to me a lot is whenever we would call a play and break the huddle, he would pull me aside and say, “Go get a bucket son, I don’t care how you do it.”

How far do you think this current Syracuse basketball team can go?

14-7 right now, but I didn’t like the Boston College loss. We should have won that. They are still young and have a lot to learn. 14-7 is not bad for a first year coach [Adrian Autry]. The players have to keep learning; we have a lot of sophomores. They just have to learn the game and they’ll be fine. I’m predicting 20-10. I’ll definitely take that.