Post #455491 by VampiressRN on Thu, May 21, 2009 6:26 PM

Wayman Tisdale:
Sometimes a word can mean one thing your entire life, and then circumstances alter to provide a totally different interpretation. Rebound is the name of the last CD from Wayman Tisdale. For NBA-icon-turned-musical-star Wayman Tisdale, rebound meant to grab possession of a basketball during a game. But in 2007, that all changed. Tisdale was diagnosed with bone cancer after he fell down a flight of steps and broke his leg. Knee replacement surgery and months of chemotherapy followed. Last August he lost his leg to the cancer. And rebound took on a new significance. As many before him, he came through the disease with a renewed perspective: "It really showed me what's important in life, man. It's not getting as many houses as I can, not driving the biggest cars," he says. "What's important is family and being healthy." The cancer came on top of Tisdale's decision to lose weight to get back into fighting shape. On taking care of his health, Wayman said, "It's been the best thing I've done." That's quite a statement for someone who has accomplished so much. Although Tisdale showed promise on the bass from an early age, his tremendous athletic talent initially overshadowed his musical leanings. Tisdale left his mark on the NBA with the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns. Before he retired after the 1997 season, Tisdale had already made the transition toward a career in music. He always loved playing Sacramento and did so often along with visits to KSSJ. Even actor Jamie Foxx recognized Tisdale's enormous musical talents. In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Foxx selected Wayman as part of his "dream band" along with Herbie Hancock, Wynton and Brandford Marsalis and Prince. Wayman Tisdale died Friday morning from cancer in his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tis was 44.