kids encyclopedia robot

Luther Wright facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Luther Wright
Personal information
Born (1971-09-22) September 22, 1971 (age 53)
Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
High school Elizabeth (Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Listed height 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m)
Listed weight 270 lb (122 kg)
Career information
College Seton Hall (1990–1993)
NBA Draft 1993 / Round: 1 / Pick: 18th overall
Selected by the Utah Jazz
Pro career 1993–1994
Career history
1993–1994 Utah Jazz
Career highlights and awards
  • McDonald's High School All-American (1990)
  • Second-team Parade All-American (1990)
Medals
Men's basketball
Representing  United States
FIBA Americas U18 Championship
Gold 1990 Montevideo National team
Summer Universiade
Gold 1991 Sheffield National team

Luther A. Wright Jr. (born September 22, 1971) is a former American professional basketball player. He played as a center, which is usually the tallest player on a basketball team.

Luther Wright's Basketball Journey

Luther Wright grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey. He started playing high school basketball at St. Anthony High School. This school was known for its strong basketball program. After one season, he moved to Elizabeth High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

College Basketball Years

After high school, Luther played college basketball for two seasons at Seton Hall University. He was a very good player there. During his second year, he averaged about 9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocked shots per game. These are strong statistics for a college player. He decided to leave college in 1993 to become a professional basketball player.

Playing in the NBA

In 1993, the Utah Jazz team chose Luther Wright in the first round of the 1993 NBA draft. He was the 18th player picked overall. At 7 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 270 pounds, he was a very big player. However, when he joined the Jazz, he weighed more than expected.

The Jazz already had several tall players. Luther was seen as a player who would need time to develop his skills. He played only one season in the NBA. During that time, he played in 15 games. He averaged 1.3 points and 0.7 rebounds per game.

Challenges and Support

Luther Wright faced some personal challenges during his time in the NBA. These challenges affected his ability to play. In 1994, he received help for his mental health. He was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition that affects a person's mood and energy levels.

After his NBA career, Luther continued to receive support for his health. His contract with the Utah Jazz helped him financially. It provided him with payments for 25 years. This support allowed him to focus on his well-being.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Luther Wright para niños

kids search engine
Luther Wright Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.