Oklahoma basketball legend Wayman Tisdale passed away earlier this morning after a several year battle with bone cancer.The cancer was first discovered after Tisdale had broken his leg twice in a single year — before which he had never even sprained in ankle — and the doctor’s inspecting his leg found cancerous cells. This led to a rigorous chemotherapy regiment, which ultimately failed and led to the amputation of Tisdale’s leg. Unfortunately that was not enough and the young 44-year-old Tisdale finally succumbed to the cancer early this morning.
Known as one of the nicest guys on or off the court, Tisdale’s former Oklahoma coach had this to say, “He’s one of the best human beings I’ve ever been around in my entire life…Anyone who’s ever met him is hurting today because he made you feel special.”
While most well known for his impressive reign with the Oklahoma Sooners and the Sacramento Kings, Tisdale was also an accomplished Jazz musician. In fact, after retiring from basketball he released eight consecutive critically acclaimed jazz albums, one of which was released directly after his leg amputation.
Those who knew him the best described him as a fighter who never gave up and always left the court smiling, a remembrance worthy any man. Rest in peace, Wayman Tisdale. You will be missed.
Comments
Jason
May 15th, 2009 - 10:43:10 AM
wow, 44 is so young -- and to such a nice guy too. what's it they always say? only the good die young? sounds about right.
1
Dawn
May 18th, 2009 - 9:58:59 AM
Wayman was the sweetest person, really. Such a gentleman! I've known him since 1984 and he had not changed from then to now. He was spiritually very grounded and always spoke to everyone and never treated anyone differently. A class act. I will surely miss him
2