FAST FACTS:
(Memphis-7/29/2010) He may have been a hometown superstar, but #42 also left his mark in Memphis off the basketball court.
Lorenzen Wright was also known for giving back to the community.
"We followed his career from high school into the NBA," said Rev. Hattie Thompson.
A pair of basketballs, autographed by Lorenzen Wright, are prized possessions of Mount Vernon Baptist Church.
It's the church Wright attended when he was in Memphis.
Associate Minister Hattie Thompson says church members celebrated the day Wright was drafted into the NBA and says even after he became a basketball star he never forgot his church or community.
"He cared about the kids," said Thompson.
Thompson says for several years Wright took part in Mount Vernon's Summer youth programs.
She says Wright loved giving motivational speeches or just reading to the children.
"And they really get a big kick out of that to see an NBA, well a celebrity, come read for them," said Thompson.
She says Wright also made sure kids in the church were able to watch him play and many times gave away tickets to Grizz games and even met with his young fans when he got off the court.
In 2002 he stayed after church to sign hundreds of Grizz shirts for fellow church goers.
"To think of him being a person everyone knew all over the country and then he would come back and give something to the church or people in the church it gave you a good feeling," said Thompson.
She says like many in Memphis, the church is saddened by his death and says their thoughts are with the entire community that loved him so much.
For many years Wright also offered a free week long summer camp for Memphis youth.
- He was known for his game, but NBA player Lorenzen Wright will also be remembered for his public service in the Memphis community.
- For many years Wright hosted a free summer basketball camp.
- He also gave back to those young and old at his church.
(Memphis-7/29/2010) He may have been a hometown superstar, but #42 also left his mark in Memphis off the basketball court.
Lorenzen Wright was also known for giving back to the community.
"We followed his career from high school into the NBA," said Rev. Hattie Thompson.
A pair of basketballs, autographed by Lorenzen Wright, are prized possessions of Mount Vernon Baptist Church.
It's the church Wright attended when he was in Memphis.
Associate Minister Hattie Thompson says church members celebrated the day Wright was drafted into the NBA and says even after he became a basketball star he never forgot his church or community.
"He cared about the kids," said Thompson.
Thompson says for several years Wright took part in Mount Vernon's Summer youth programs.
She says Wright loved giving motivational speeches or just reading to the children.
"And they really get a big kick out of that to see an NBA, well a celebrity, come read for them," said Thompson.
She says Wright also made sure kids in the church were able to watch him play and many times gave away tickets to Grizz games and even met with his young fans when he got off the court.
In 2002 he stayed after church to sign hundreds of Grizz shirts for fellow church goers.
"To think of him being a person everyone knew all over the country and then he would come back and give something to the church or people in the church it gave you a good feeling," said Thompson.
She says like many in Memphis, the church is saddened by his death and says their thoughts are with the entire community that loved him so much.
For many years Wright also offered a free week long summer camp for Memphis youth.
