Wayman Tisdale, Dead at 44

Posted May 15, 2009 12:03PM By Tom Ziller (RSS feed)

Wayman Tisdale has spent the past several years fighting bone cancer. He broke his leg twice within one year after a 20-year college and pro basketball career in which he'd never suffered worse than a sprained ankle. When doctors discovered cancerous cells in his leg and a mass program of chemotherapy didn't work, Tisdale's leg was amputated.

But the battle continued, and according to Tisdale's friend Spencer Tillman of CBS Sports, the Sooner legend succumbed this morning. He was 44.

At Oklahoma, he was an absolute beast, making three All-American teams in three collegiate seasons before being drafted by the Indiana Pacers No. 2 overall in 1985. In an 11-year pro career with the Pacers, Kings and Suns, he averaged 15 points and 6 rebounds. More than that, he was known as one of the kindest, most beautiful humans in pro sports. (Seriously, a bad word has never been uttered about the guy.) Since his retirement, Wayman had gone back to his love of music, putting out eight critically acclaimed jazz albums. Four of them hit the Top 10 on Billboard's contemporary jazz list.

The developmental years of my basketball fanaticism came watching Tizzy's Kings teams in the early '90s. To call those squads overmatched would be a slight understatement. The results were rarely positive. But if there was one place on the court where you could count on the Kings competing hard every single night, it was Tizzy's paint. He never gave up. On anything. He lacked the athleticism of Karl Malone and the size of Patrick Ewing. But he made up for it with incredible pride and passion. That ball was his property, dangit, and he would do everything in his power to make sure he got it. Sometimes, size and athleticism beat him. But he never stewed in defeat long. He'd fight back, 24 seconds later.

That's how Tizzy dealt with cancer. It took his leg. But months later, he had a new jazz album out (Rebound). He didn't stew in defeat. He fought back.

Rest in peace, Tizzy. Best wishes with a heavy heart to the Tisdale family. The Wayman Tisdale Foundation and the American Cancer Society can use our help.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

5-15-2009 @ 12:17PM

Tom said...

I am truly saddened by the passing of such a wonderful man. He was such a gifted athlete and his music touched so many of our souls. He will be missed so very much. Rest in Peace Wayman.

5-15-2009 @ 12:55PM

Diva Eva said...

RIP Wayman..........whether he was on the basketball court or playing his music he will be missed.

5-15-2009 @ 12:56PM

drtedfratto said...

many of today's pro athletes could learn a few things about class and humility from tisdale's legacy.

5-15-2009 @ 1:05PM

drfastiggi said...

I loved the fact that he was able to crossover from elite athlete to elite musician. Says a lot about the man. My condolences to his friends and loved ones.

5-15-2009 @ 1:35PM

mparkerblack1 said...

I'm just sick over his passing. I've seen him perform live. He was such a class act. God bless him, and peace to his family.

5-15-2009 @ 2:58PM

Rich Cantwell said...

This is really sad news. R.I.P. Wayman, the world will be minus one great human being.

5-15-2009 @ 6:07PM

deb said...

I've seen Wayman perform at many concerts and had the pleasure of enjoying several jazz cruises where he performed. He had such a great smile and warm personality, and of course, an incredible talent.
I am truly saddened at our loss and send my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

5-15-2009 @ 7:36PM

demzrdopes said...

This man had a beautiful soul. RIP Mr. Tisdale.

5-15-2009 @ 10:28PM

Brian said...

Why is it that the good have to die so young? I was very sorry to hear about Wayman Tisdale's passing. My condolences to his family and the basketball and jazz world. RIP # 23

5-15-2009 @ 11:21PM

P J said...

Wayman was greatly admired and will be missed even more. That smile of his was infectious and he had it whenever he was in the public eye. He was TREMENDOUS at OU and loved by many. RIP.

5-16-2009 @ 12:59AM

claytor said...

One word sums up Wayman's life legacy...passion.

He had it in tons.

I literally shed a tear this morning upon hearing the news, i don't know this man on a personal level any more than i know you guys, but it doesn't take much to know some good people from the ordinary, or bad.

Wayman was a good soul, made incredible music, and played basketball the old fashioned way, hustle and heart.

The world's without another pleasant human being among the treacherous and unkind, this is truly a shame. Rest in peace, Mr. Tisdale.