It is with great sadness Alabama A&M announces the death of Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach James Wright.

Wright passed away Wednesday. He was 46.

Head Coach Willie Hayes and Director of Athletics Bryan Hicks spoke with the basketball team Wednesday evening.

"We ask that you pray for Coach Wright’s family and keep them in your thoughts," Hicks said.

A tireless recruiter, this was Wright’s fourth year with the Bulldogs.

"We’ve lost a great coach, a great man and a great person," said Hayes. "I’ve known him since high school … I’ve lost a great friend."

Funeral arrangements are pending.