JCSU Mourns the Loss of Welcome T. Moten the "Wizard of Brayboy"

The Johnson C. Smith University community mourns the loss of Welcome T. Moten, former JCSU assistant men's basketball coach. While pursuing a bachelor's degree at North Carolina Central University from 1947- 1951, Moten played under the legendary Johnny McLendon, who studied under Dr. James Naismith, the originator of basketball.

W.T. Moten

Moten is known to the team as the "Wizard of Brayboy." Coach Moten served under three head coaches throughout his more than 30 years with Golden Bull basketball, Coach Joe Alston (1969-74), Coach Jerome Fitch (1974-78) and under current head coach Steve Joyner from (1988-2000).

"Coach Moten was a significant part of my development as an athlete and as a coach, remarked head coach Steve Joyner." "It was an honor and joy to have him serve with me. He was a major contributor to the success of the team as a coach in the 90's and into the year 2000. He will be surely missed."

Coach Moten died yesterday around 7:10 p.m. at Gaston Memorial Hospital at the age of 76. He is survived by his wife, Gwen Moten, five children: two daughters, three sons and numerous grandchildren.