New Jersey

Ex-College Hoops Star From NJ Found Dead in NYC

A former college basketball star from New Jersey has been found slain in the back seat of a vehicle in New York City.

Police said Wednesday that 35-year-old Michael Wright, of Closter, was last seen Nov. 5. His body was found Tuesday morning covered in what appeared to be trash bags in the Midwood section of Brooklyn.

Police had gone to the area to search for him after a request from New Jersey police. Neighbors said the car had been there for several days.

The 6-foot-8 forward played three seasons for the University of Arizona. He was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2001, but was waived before the start of the season. Wright then went overseas to play in the European leagues for Turkey and France.

The medical examiner has ruled Wright's death a homicide and the NYPD said the death is considered suspicious. There have been no arrests.

Wright's family declined to comment Wednesday, asking for privacy.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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