Talented Tisdale Loses Life
Wayman Tisdale, 44, died yesterday morning after a two-year bout with cancer. The three-time Oklahoma all-American played 12 seasons in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns. At 6′9”, the forward averaged 15.3 points a game and was a dominant presence on the court. A fan-favorite, Tisdale also won gold as a member of the U.S. basketball team at the 1984 Olympics.
After his basketball career, Tisdale turned his talents to music and established himself as an accomplished jazz bassist, releasing eight albums including “Power Forward,” “Way Up!,” and “Rebound” from 1995 to 2008.
In 2007, after a fall in his Los Angeles home in which he broke his leg, Tisdale learned of a cancerous cyst below his right knee. His leg was amputated last August to prevent the spread of the disease. Currently, it is unclear if Tisdale’s death was a result of the bone cancer, as his passing was sudden and unexpected.
A public memorial service has been planned for Thursday, May 21, in Tusla at 11 p.m. Tisdale will be buried at Memorial Park Cemetary.
[photo: ESPN]
Tags: 1984 Olympics, accomplished jazz bassist, cancer, nba, Oklahoma, Wayman Tisdale