Courtesy of Howard University Athletic Media Relations; written by Ed Hill, Jr.


WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 3, 2020 – Howard University mourns the loss of one of its former athletes in James Rodney Wright. Known affectionately as "Rodney" to family and friends, the former standout point guard from Washington, D.C., and the ultimate floor general, ranks among the top assist leaders in school history with 484 career assists, including the season-high 195 dimes, which is also a school record.
 
When the Bison were being tabbed as The Dunk Patrol from 1979-82, it was Wright who was The Conductor who setup his high-flying teammates with his dimes.
 
Currently, he is seventh all-time on the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) career assist leaderboard. His on-the-court leadership helped guide the Bison to back-to-back MEAC Tournament titles, including the school and MEAC's first-ever NCAA Tournament bid in 1980-81.
 
Wright was twice named to the All-MEAC Second Team and All-Tournament Team.
 
His jersey hangs in the rafters of Burr Gymnasium and in 2014, he was rewarded for his contributions to the HU Athletics program by being inducted into the Howard Athletics Hall of Fame.
 
Rodney's homegoing service is Friday, Dec. 4 at St. Luke's Catholic Church (4925 East Capitol Street, NE, Washington D.C. 20019). Viewing is from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.
 
Family and friends may view the service here as well.
 
Derek Bryant, Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations & Sports Information, and Howard alum Dr. Paul Cotton contributed to this story.