Wayman Tisdale, regarded to be among greatest players in history of Oklahoma's basketball program, died today after a long battle with cancer. He was 44. (Photo courtesy of SoonerSports.com)
When he enrolled at the University of Oklahoma two years ago, Blake Griffin donned number 23, which had been retired for legendary Sooners power forward Wayman Tisdale; this after Tisdale had been asked by Griffin for the number. Today, the man that the likely first pick in next month's NBA draft paid tribute to is once again being remembered, this time under the most unfortunate of circumstances.
After a two-year fight against cancer that cost him one of his legs, Tisdale succumbed to the disease today at the age of 44; a tragic end to the life of a great basketball player turned jazz musician who inspired all who knew him.
"Oklahoma has lost one of its most beloved sons," said Oklahoma governor Brad Henry. "Wayman Tisdale was a hero both on and off the basketball court. He was one of the most inspirational people I have ever known."
Griffin, who received the Sooner great's blessing to wear his number, said Tisdale had "helped him in ways he probably doesn't even know.
Tisdale is survived by his wife and four children, and his death comes less than a week after Hall of Fame coach Chuck Daly died of pancreatic cancer Saturday at the age of 78.
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