Former University of Memphis standout and sixth-year NBA veteran Lorenzen Wright is coming home.
Memphis last saw Wright in uniform at the Pyramid as a Tiger. When he returns to the Pyramid this season, he’ll be wearing a Grizzlies uniform.
Last week, the 6-11 forward/center was acquired by Memphis’ new NBA team, the Grizzlies, through a trade with the Atlanta Hawks. The Grizzlies gave up their best player, All-Star forward Shareef Abdur-Raheem, in the deal.
Wright was one of the guests of honor Saturday in a downtown celebration featuring the Grizzlies’ draft picks and Memphis’ NBA pursuit team. He was presented a jersey and spoke to a crowd of hundreds gathered at Peabody Place.
“I know a lot of fans will be glad to see him back in Memphis,” said former U of M coach Larry Finch, who coached Wright from 1994-96. “He will make great contributions to the (Grizzlies’) program.”
As a freshman at The U of M, Wright collected a slew of awards in his first season, including Basketball Times and Basketball Weekly’s First Team Freshman All-American.
Wright played for two years as a Tiger and in 1995 he was selected to be the team captain of the U.S. team during the World University Games in Japan. Wright was the first U of M basketball player to compete in major international competition and to win a gold medal. By his sophomore year, Wright had collected seven All-American honors and was First Team All-Conference in Conference USA.
“It was a great honor to have him on the team,” said Finch of Wright’s college career.
In 1996, Wright was a lottery pick of the Los Angeles Clippers, going seventh overall in the draft. During the 1997-98 season, Wright led the Clippers in rebounds (8.8) and blocked shots (1.26) per game.
After three seasons with the Clippers, Wright joined the Atlanta Hawks organization. After not starting his entire first season with the Hawks, Wright was a starter in 46 games last season.
Wright officially becomes a Grizzlies player July 18 when the league’s suspension on contracts and trades is lifted. Point guard Brevin Knight and the No. 3 draft pick, Pau Gasol, were also acquired by the Grizzlies in the deal.
