| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1971-09-22)September 22, 1971 (age 53) Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Listed height | 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) |
| Listed weight | 270 lb (122 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Elizabeth (Elizabeth, New Jersey) |
| College | Seton Hall (1990–1993) |
| NBA draft | 1993: 1st round, 18th overall pick |
| Selected by theUtah Jazz | |
| Playing career | 1993–1994 |
| Position | Center |
| Number | 44 |
| Career history | |
| 1993–1994 | Utah Jazz |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Stats at NBA.com  | |
| Stats atBasketball Reference | |
Luther A. Wright Jr. (born September 22, 1971) is an American former professionalbasketball player, in thecenter position.
A native ofJersey City, New Jersey, Wright played high school ball for one season under coachBob Hurley at powerhouse atSt. Anthony High School before failing out and enrolling atElizabeth High School inElizabeth, New Jersey.[1] He played two seasons of college basketball atSeton Hall University, averaging 9.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocked shots per game as a sophomore, before leaving school in 1993 to pursue professional basketball.[2]
Wright was selected by theUtah Jazz in the 1st round (18th overall) of the1993 NBA draft. Listed at 7'2" and 270 pounds in college, Wright arrived in Utah overweight and out-of-shape at 325 pounds.[3] The Jazz were not short on size at that time, withMark Eaton (7'4" and 290 pounds),Isaac Austin (6'10" and 290 pounds), andFelton Spencer (7'0" and 275 pounds) on the roster at center. Wright was seen as a project who the Jazz planned to develop slowly. However, poor play on the court, in addition to poor conditioning and mental health issues, limited Wright to only one season in the NBA. He averaged 1.3 points and 0.7 rebounds in 15 games.
In January 1994, police found Wright at a highway rest area west ofSalt Lake City, banging garbage cans and smashing in car windows.[4]
After the season with the Jazz finished, he entered a mental institution. Still during his NBA stint, he was diagnosed withbipolar disorder and left the team. In 1996, he was released fromEssex County Hospital Center, apsychiatric hospital, after a 30-day admission. Under the terms of his contract with the Jazz, Wright was to be paidUS$153,000 per year for 25 full years.[5]
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
