Dover, Del. (Apr. 21, 2023) --- Delaware State Athletics joins the University community in mourning the death and celebrating the life of prominent alum and hall of fame athlete Maurice Pritchett, whose family announced his passing today at 80 years of age in Newark, Del.  
Pritchett, a 1965 Delaware State graduate, was a basketball standout for the Hornets under legendary head coach Bennie George from 1961 to '65. Recognized as one of the top defenders in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), Pritchett was the Hornets' leading rebounder in two seasons and served as team captain during his senior year. Prior to attending Delaware State, he was a Wilmington All-City selection at Howard High School in 1961.  After graduating from college, Pritchett returned to Wilmington, Del., competing for Peoples Settlement in the Metropolitan League.
He was principal at Bancroft Middle School in Wilmington for 30 years, influencing thousands of children and staff while spearheading after-school youth and recreation programs in the community.  In addition, he operated a youth basketball league that included cultural trips and other enrichment opportunities, along with coaching girls basketball for the Wilmington Athletic Association founded by fellow Delaware State alum Major Hairston.
Pritchett served as an ambassador for Delaware State University, assisting countless students in attending the university, and pursuing their higher education and career goals.
He was inducted into the Delaware State Athletics Hall-of-Fame in 1995, and the Delaware Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.