Tulsa World: Share your memories of Wayman Tisdale

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Share your memories of Wayman Tisdale

By Staff Reports
Published: 5/15/2009 11:57 AM
Last Modified: 5/15/2009 5:02 PM

Gov. Brad Henry
Oklahoma City -- Gov. Brad Henry today made the following comments about Wayman Tisdale, the OU basketball great and renowned jazz musician who died this morning of cancer. He was 44 years old.

"Oklahoma has lost one of its most beloved sons. Wayman Tisdale was a hero both on and off the basketball court. Wayman played at OU during the time I attended school there, and I had the privilege of seeing a true champion in action. He was an incredible athlete and competitor.

"Off the court, he was an equally gifted musician and a tremendous ambassador for our state. I had the pleasure of appointing Wayman to serve on the state Tourism Commission, and it was one of the best appointments I have made as governor.

"In his two-year battle with cancer, Wayman demonstrated courage, faith and true strength of character. Even in the most challenging of times, he had a smile for people, and he had the rare ability to make everyone around him smile. He was one of the most inspirational people I have ever known.

"Wayman Tisdale was a man of extraordinary talents and an extraordinary heart, and he will be deeply missed. Kim and I have Wayman's wife, children and family in our thoughts and prayers."

Former men's basketball coach Billy Tubbs, who was Tisdale's coach at OU
"Wayman, through this fight of his, was the most courageous person that

I've ever seen. He was so positive he almost made you feel he was okay when you knew he wasn't.

"It's a shock. I don't know of any athlete at Oklahoma or any place else who was more loved by the fans who knew him than Wayman Tisdale. He was obviously, a great, great player, but Wayman as a person overshadowed that.

"He just lit up a room and was so positive. This is a really hard loss and makes any loss in basketball or any other sport insignificant.

"He was a great human being. I'll miss everything about him."

Current OU men's basketball coach Jeff Capel
"Wayman Tisdale is one of the best people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He had an incredible gift of making the people who came in contact with him feel incredibly special.

"His basketball talent and accomplishments pale in comparison to the impact he had on the lives that he influenced by the way he lived his life, and the tremendous character he displayed in his fight with cancer. Throughout it all, he always had that infectious smile.

"This is an incredibly sad day as we have lost not only one of the greatest Sooners ever, but one of the all-time best people to walk the face of this earth."

University of Oklahoma President David L. Boren
"Wayman Tisdale was not only a great athlete and musician, he was above all a great person. He constantly demonstrated his care and concern for others and was a worthy role model for all of us young and old. The University of Oklahoma will always be proud of his association with the university."

OU All-American basketball player Blake Griffin
"This is obviously a sad day, not just for Sooner fans but for anybody who knows Wayman, knows the kind of person he is, the joy he brings into people's lives and the example he is to everybody.

"I was privileged to get to know him over the two years I was at OU. I spoke with him pretty frequently this past season and he helped me in ways he probably doesn't even know. He's touched so many lives. I'm just happy he's going to a better place."

Basketball All-American Stacey King, who played at OU from 1986-89
"Wayman's one of the biggest reasons why I chose Oklahoma. I wanted to be part of something special and it made logical sense to go to OU because I wanted to pattern my game after him. I wanted to be like him.

"People used to talk about 'Be like Mike (Michael Jordan),' but I wanted to be like Wayman. We've lost a special person. I don't think there will ever be another Wayman Tisdale."

University of Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione
"Wayman Tisdale's genuine and purposeful approach to life exemplified qualities which improved virtually every situation or inspired every person he encountered. His imposing presence and indomitable spirit were eclipsed only by his enormous heart and selfless humility.

"He was authentic and demonstrated a passion in life for truly enriching the lives of others. On the basketball court, he was the kind of player who transcends time. He was legendary the day he slipped on an Oklahoma Sooners uniform and he left a legacy almost impossible to emulate.

"We are profoundly saddened by his loss and we grieve today with Wayman's family and friends. We also share with them our sincere gratitude for we are so much better for having known him. His life's legacy will serve as an inspiration for all of us as we endeavor to be better people ourselves."

Darryl "Choo" Kennedy, Oklahoma forward (1984-87)
"He was my man. I played with him pretty much all my life, going back to AAU. He was the reason I wanted to go to OU. I wanted to play with one of the greatest players to ever come out of Oklahoma.

"He was a great person. He was always positive, he never let the negative bring us down as a unit. He always smiled and kept us together.

"I'll miss him. He was one of my brothers."

Tommy Tubbs, Tisdale's teammate at OU and the son of former Sooner coach Billy Tubbs
"If you didn't like Wayman Tisdale, something was wrong with you. He was such a great player, a great musician, a great husband and father. The state of Oklahoma lost a great man. He touched so many people's lives in a positive way.

"I'm honored to have known him and to have been his teammate and friend. He's in heaven now with his dad. He's playing the bass and he has no pain."

OU women's basketball coach Sherri Coale
"He was the most amazing individual. He was one of the most inspirational people of all time.

"What I appreciated most about Wayman was the joy with which he played and that smile. Whenever people this year would talk about Whitney (Hand) and her smile, it would always make me think about Wayman. He was the type of individual that had such passion. Whatever he did, he did with that passion that defined him. Obviously, he was talented but it was the uncanny passion that fueled his talent."

Frances Jordan, executive director of Greenwood Cultural center
"We just feel that Wayman was an awesome person to know. He gave back to the community but not only in sports but with his music. He was such an inspiration to young people.

"... Wayman's legacy speaks for itself. He was such a strong, honest man."

Tulsa men's basketball coach Doug Wojcik
"Sometimes you judge people by what kind of player they were, but by having attended the Legacy Award Dinner honoring Wayman last month and learning more about his life, his music and his family, it's a real shame to see someone who is so well-rounded pass at such an early age.

"I actually showed the DVD of his recovery to our team. I wanted to teach them the lesson that nothing is free in life. There are always struggles. Here's this great player, a three-time All-American and a 12-year pro who was perfectly healthy and then all of a sudden he has cancer and loses his right leg. It's a sad day for the Tisdale family, sad day for the city of Tulsa, sad day for the University of Oklahoma and anyone who was associated with Wayman Tisdale."

Lt. Governor Askins
OKLAHOMA CITY -- “Wayman was a true Oklahoma ambassador and his love for the state was unmatched. As an NBA star he traveled the country but still returned home to raise his family. An accomplished musician, father, and husband, Wayman was one-of-a-kind.

Serving on the State Tourism Commission, he was an incredible advocate for Oklahoma. He wanted the best for the Sooner State and he consistently gave back as an active member of the Commission. His contributions will be celebrated and his presence will be missed.

Oklahoma has lost a favorite son today.”

Kansas coach Bill Self, who competed against Tisdale while playing point guard at Oklahoma State
"It's just so sad.

"Wayman changed Oklahoma basketball forever. He was the best player that the state has ever had. He had an incredible combination of talent and charisma. Watching Wayman play then was like watching LeBron James play now. Wayman was that dominant and that much fun to watch."

Chuck Cissel, Jazz Hall of Fame CEO
"It's a very sad day here at the Jazz Hall of Fame," said CEO Chuck Cissel. "Wayman was really well-loved."

Cissel recalled a New York show of Tisdale's, and the two sharing a limo ride afterward.

"Everywhere in the country, he was a sell-out artist," Cissel said. "I think in the last few years we began to recognize what we had in our presence."

He said Tisdale was "key in the equation" of jazz, at home and abroad.

"Wayman is an essential part in the history of jazz in the state of Oklahoma. He is integral to the art form in this country."

Oklahoma City Thunder chairman Clay Bennett
“The entire Thunder organization is deeply saddened by the loss of Wayman Tisdale. We will forever remember the April night he was honored at a Thunder game. His smile radiated throughout the arena as fans and players on both benches all rose and cheered in tribute.

"He was a remarkable athlete and competitor, but most of all a tremendous person. His courage fighting cancer and helping others along the way are a lasting inspiration for us all. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Regina, their children and the entire Tisdale family.”

John Brooks, former OU play-by-play voice who called every game during Tisdale's career
"This is a very sad day. I was staggered by the news. It's a very nice memory for me - that I got to broadcast every game that Wayman ever played. There was magic on the court in that first college game he ever played, and it continued through the end of the final game he played for OU. I'm not sure I've ever known anyone who had such a positive effect on people.

"Without question, Wayman is the most charismatic athlete I've ever known. Everybody is saying it because it is true. What is forgotten by a lot of people is that he averaged more than 15 points per game in the NBA, and did it mostly for bad teams. He was a very good professional player, and he's probably one of the top 20 jazz musicians of all time. A tremendous musician and performer."

By Staff Reports

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Some reader comments for this story were copied from "Tulsan Wayman Tisdale dies," which was published on 5/15/2009.

	Report Comment Dad, Up North (5/15/2009 10:00:25 AM) This is sad............great man. God speed
	Report Comment tutu, (5/15/2009 10:00:28 AM) My thoughts and prayers to his family.
	Report Comment toyourdismay, Tulsa (5/15/2009 10:00:38 AM) Awful news. :( May he RIP.
	Report Comment Jay of Tulsa, (5/15/2009 10:00:49 AM) WOW..What a tragic loss...
	Report Comment SS_Hippy, Tulsa (5/15/2009 10:01:23 AM) i thought he was doing better
	Report Comment Arbythree, Tulsa (5/15/2009 10:01:24 AM) Tell me this is NOT true!!!!!!
	Report Comment Barleybaby, (5/15/2009 10:03:21 AM) Bless you Wayman, may God comfort your family and loved ones.
	Report Comment Mar, Tulsa (5/15/2009 10:05:05 AM) My sympathy goes to his family. Mr. Tisdale was a real hero to boys and young men, unlike Michael Vick and such sports criminals.
	Report Comment Golden Hurricane, Tulsa (5/15/2009 10:05:45 AM) The best Oklahoma high school basketball player, ever and it's not even debatable! More than that, Wayman was a wonderful human being. Words cannot express how much Wayman will be missed by all those he came in contact with. May his memory be eternal.
	Report Comment tulsandn, Boswell / Tulsa (5/15/2009 10:06:32 AM) Tragic loss indeed.... :(
	Report Comment HH66, Dwindling Hope (5/15/2009 10:09:36 AM) Thanks for the memories Tis. When you played for the Phoenix Suns, you made me even prouder to be Sooner. The fans loved you.
	Report Comment Moses, Jenks (5/15/2009 10:09:42 AM) Mr. Tisdale was a friendly, gracious, talented man. I met him when he played music at the "Art on Main Street" in Jenks. He touched many hearts and lives. The world is a better place because he was here.
	Report Comment lucky girl, (5/15/2009 10:12:02 AM) How sad....prayers for the family, may he rest in peace.
	Report Comment Stonewall, (5/15/2009 10:13:16 AM) Sad news. I loved watching Wayman play ball.
	Report Comment Makeda, Tulsa (5/15/2009 10:14:00 AM) Wayman Tisdale was loved and respected by many. His memory and legacy will live forever. I pray for peace for his family and friends.
	Report Comment Tool Lady, Tulsa (5/15/2009 10:15:06 AM) What a tragedy, he was kind and caring person, his name will live on forever in the good things he accomplished. My prayers to his family.
	Report Comment ba_joker, (5/15/2009 10:17:15 AM) The death of Wayman Tisdale is quite a loss. It's not often that you find someone who works so hard to become so talented at everything he did. He was such a great basketball player. Then, after injuries ended his career, he became a very accomplished jazz musician. He was a truly great man, and I know he will be missed.
	Report Comment Ric, Broken Arrow (5/15/2009 10:18:29 AM) I'm so sorry.
	Report Comment The ORIGINAL Adman, (5/15/2009 10:18:55 AM) This Poke thought Wayman was pure class. So, so sad for his friends and family. Talented on so many levels, as an athlete, artist and more importantly, as a person.
	Report Comment M_Conners, Tulsa (5/15/2009 10:19:29 AM) This is sad news...Wayman was a great Oklahoman.
	Report Comment Michael C., Tulsa (5/15/2009 10:19:44 AM) Yup, I'm sad. Everybody loved Wayman. Even me. Like they say... Only the good die young.
	Report Comment tulsa citizen, (5/15/2009 10:19:53 AM) I am deeply saddened by this news. He fought it till the end. He will be so missed. My thoughts are with his family. Please know that he is such a role model for young athletes, musicians and yes.....cancer survivors.
	Report Comment TLFKRF, Tulsa (5/15/2009 10:20:06 AM) God Bless Wayman and his family, our prayers are with you.
	Report Comment manofGod, tulsa (5/15/2009 10:20:55 AM) this is a very tragic occurance. Very hard to belive, i hope a lot of his close friends dont find out by surfing the net like i did. God bless the loved ones he leaves behind
	Report Comment aly526, tulsa (5/15/2009 10:22:44 AM) he was such good man , positive role model to others....and will be missed so much

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