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TULSA -- Legendary University of Oklahoma basketball player Wayman Tisdale died this morning at St. John's Hospital after a two-year battle with cancer. He was only 44.

Known for his infectious smile, smooth jump shot and passion for the game, life and music, Tisdale is considered by many to be the greatest player in OU history.

He is the school's all-time leader in points and rebounds, despite playing just three seasons. Tisdale was the first player in college basketball history named as a first-team All-American by the Associated Press as a freshman, sophomore and junior (1983-85). He was also a three-time Big Eight Conference Player of the Year and boasted career averages of 25.6 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, as well as a .578 field goal percentage.

The 6-foot-9 southpaw from Tulsa led the Sooners to Big Eight titles in 1984 and 1985. He was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers and averaged 15.3 points over 12 NBA seasons for the Pacers, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns.

Tisdale was also the top rebounder on the 1984 gold-medal-winning USA Olympics team. He later became the first OU student-athlete in any sport to have his jersey retired during a ceremony in 1997.

Last month, Tisdale was honored in a ceremony at the Greenwood Cultural Center and was presented the Legacy Award. He smiled with friends as he talked about his battle with cancer and showed his unwavering attitude, saying, “In my mind, I’ve beaten it."

Tisdale is survived by his wife, Regina, and their four children.

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