Wayman Tisdale: Olympic Gold Medalist and Smooth Jazz Bassist Dies at 44

Wayman Tisdale was an American basketball player and jazz bassist. Born on June 9, 1964, in Fort Worth, Texas, he was the son of a Tulsa pastor.

He was a three-time All-American at the University of Oklahoma, a member of the 1984 U.S. gold medal Olympic team, and the second overall pick in the 1985 NBA draft. He played 12 seasons for the Pacers, Kings and Suns. Oklahoma retired his No. 23 jersey.

After basketball he became a successful smooth jazz bass player with several albums. He lost a leg to bone cancer in 2008. Tisdale died in Tulsa on May 15, 2009, at age 44, after complications of treatment.

Achievements: 1984 Olympic gold medal, three-time All-American.

Birth: June 9, 1964 - Fort Worth, Texas.

Profession: Basketball player and musician.

Interesting Facts: The NCAA's top freshman award bears his name.