Wayman Tisdale took a break from his therapy session.

His Titanium prosthetic right leg stood stationary in front of him, proudly representing a maroon University of Oklahoma logo. That’s where he made a name for himself.

But his trademark smile started way before and remained after then.

The 6’9 power forward was drafted second overall behind Patrick Ewing in the 1984 NBA Draft and went on to play for the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns – not to mention teaming with Ewing, Michael Jordan and others in capturing the gold-medal for the U.S. Olympic basketball team in ’84.

But after 12-years in the NBA, and his musical talents off the court as a contemporary jazz artist, cancer hit Tisdale in 2007.

After breaking his right leg while going down some stairs at his home, doctors discovered a tumor behind his knee two months later. It was the second time in a year that Wayman had broken his leg, this after both a college and pro career where he never suffered anything worse than a rolled ankle. A year later, Tisdale’s leg was amputated. While he continued making music, and even recording an album (“Rebound”) in the process, Wayman lost his battle with cancer last May.

He was only 44 years old.

“That’s a real friend who’s got your back and would do just about anything for you,” said Sam Perkins after Tisdale’s passing.

Not only was Perkins a former teammate in Indiana, but he was also the best man at Tisdale’s wedding.

“That smile just gets you. He was upbeat all the time.”

The History Black Series - Honoring Black History Month:

February 1: Muhammed Ali 

February 2: Gary Payton

February 3: Bo Jackson 

February 4: Dr. J

February 5: The Junkyard Dog

February 6: John Starks

February 7: Barry Sanders

February 8: Spud Webb

February 9: Craig Hodges

February 10: The Fab Five

February 11: Ice Man

February 12: Buster Douglas

February 13: Harold Miner

February 14: Reggie Lewis

February 15: Hoop Dreams

February 16: Travis Outlaw

February 17: Rasheed Wallace

February 18: Oil Can Boyd

February 19: Dennis Johnson

February 20: Tracy McGrady

February 21: Hank Gathers And Bo Kimble

February 22: Allen Iverson 

February 23: Bobby Phills

February 24: Charles Oakley

February 25: Michael Ray Richardson

February 26: Wilt Chamberlain

photo: washingtonpost

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