Passing of a great one
Sooner basketball great Wayman Tisdale, 44, died today, May 15, in Tulsa, losing his two-year battle with cancer.
The College Basketball Hall of Fame member, Olympic gold medal winner and 12-year veteran of the NBA was the most significant player in Sooner basketball history. Following his basketball career he became an accomplished nationally-known jazz guitarist.
But perhaps more important than his records on the court (he still holds the record for most points scored by any player their freshman and sophomore seasons) or in the recording room (he made eight jazz albums and toured worldwide) was Wayman’s infectiously charming, inspirational and positive personality, including during his cancer treatment.
Tisdale’s star performances at OU coincided with my three years at the university’s Law School, so I was fortunate to watch most of his play on the Lloyd Noble court in person . The first basketball game Alex ever attended, in January 1985 (he was one-month old at the time), starred the young Tulsan wearing No. 23. The Sooners were undefeated (33-0) at home during Wayman’s last two years at Oklahoma.
That big grin of his will not be forgotten. He will be sorely missed by all sports fans, regardless of their allegiance. – Mike
