Memphis basketball to retire Lorenzen Wright's jersey

The University of Memphis has announced plans to honor the legacy of Lorenzen Wright this season.

Wright, a Memphis native and a decorated star for the Tigers for two seasons, will have his jersey retired by his former school during a ceremony at FedExForum this season. The exact date has not yet been finalized and will be determined in conjunction with Wright's family.

Wright's jersey will be the 10th to earn a place in the rafters at the Tigers' home arena, joining Win Wilfong (22), John Gunn (44), Larry Finch (21), Ronnie Robinson (33), Keith Lee (24), Elliot Perry (34), Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway (25), Forest Arnold (13) and Larry Kenon (35). Wright's jersey number, 55, will not be retired by the program, according to an athletic department spokesperson, who added it will be at the discretion of the head coach whether a player will be allowed to sport that number. Damaria Franklin is listed on the current roster as No. 55.

MEMPHIS BASKETBALL:To understand Memphis basketball's potential this season, start in the frontcourt

SIGN UP:Memphis basketball group texting is back! Join the conversation with Tigers beat writer Jason Munz

Wright was a first-round NBA draft pick in 1996 and played 13 seasons with five different teams. He was with the Grizzlies when the franchise was moved to his hometown prior to the 2001-02 season. In 2010, Wright was killed after being shot multiple times. He was 34 years old. Earlier this year, Billy Ray Turner was convicted of premeditated first-degree murder in March, along with attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Wright's ex-wife, Sherra Wright is serving a 30-year sentence for her role in orchestrating the killing.

Hardaway, who will begin his fifth season as head coach at his alma mater, made the announcement to the team

"I know it's well-deserved," Hardaway said. "If you didn't see Lorenzen play, unbelievable guy, unbelievable warrior for this city. Loved this city, did a bunch of work in the community. And he's not here to see it, but he's still with us. And to put that jersey to the rafters, man, it's the best thing that we could do here at the University of Memphis."

Wright, who earned multiple All America honors as a sophomore and was a Freshman All-American his first season with the Tigers, currently ranks No. 49 on the program's career scoring list with 1,026 points. In 1995, he helped lead the Tigers to the Sweet 16.

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis basketball to retire Lorenzen Wright's jersey