We regret to tell you about the sudden death of a former NBA draft-pick, Michael Wright. Reports say Wright passed away last night, November 10th. His body was found inside his car earlier today. He was 35-years-old.
Michael, a Chicago native, attended Farragut Career Academy High School, where he exceled at basketball. In college, it was clear he had a gift. He served as a star forward for the Arizona Wildcats.
Back in 2001, all indicated Michael Wright had a bright future ahead of him. He was a second-round pick of the New York Knicks that year.
The former power forward starred at Arizona for three seasons. He averaged 15.1 points and 8.4 rebounds during his time with the Wildcats before getting drafted by the Knicks.
Michael Wright also represented the United States at both the U18 and U19 international levels during his wide-ranging basketball career. He helped lead the U18 squad to a FIBA Americas gold medal in 1998.
Michael didn’t quite made the New York’s roster and wind up overseas. He had a 14-year-career playing in several different countries, including Poland, Turkey and France. His most recent stop was with Cholet Basket of the French League.
Michael received MVP and leading scorer honors during his time playing in Turkey.
He left his French team last February and was planning a return to Europe to continue playing, according to a family member, who spoke with the Chicago Sun.
The pro basketball player Michael unresponsive body, was found in the backseat of his SUV Tuesday morning in Brooklyn, reports say. Wright was found under a pile of trash bags with a head wound; however, authorities seem to believe this is not a murder case and could be the scene of a suicide.
A police source told the Daily News the Chicago native was bipolar, which could have led him to take his own life.
According to Patch.com, Wright had been reported missing and his Lexus SUV had been parked for a number of days before being found.
He was last seen, November 5th. An autopsy to determine the exact cause of death is pending.
It is not yet clear if Michael Wright leaves a wife and possible children, or if he was in a current romantic relationship with someone. We send our condolences to his family and friends.
RIP Michael Wright.
