
Former LSU basketball player Wayne Sims has died at the age of 54. Sims was a four-year standout for the Tigers from 1987 to 1991. He played with former LSU greats Shaquille O Neal and Chris Jackson. Former coach Dale Brown says the LSU basketball family is saddened by Sims’ unexpected death.
“One of the first calls I got was from Shaquille all concerned, what can I do coach, I just heard about Wayne,” said Brown.
Sources say Sims collapsed at work yesterday and died from natural causes this morning.
The DeRidder native played in 117 games from 1987 to 1991, averaging nearly 10 points a game. LSU went to the NCAA Tournament every year during Sims’ four seasons and in 1991 the Tigers won an SEC title. Brown says he’s crushed to hear about Sims’ passing.
“I’ve been in tears all morning, the number of players I called from walk-ons to stars like Shaq, he was a well liked guy,” said Brown.
Sims’ son, Wayde Sims, also wore the purple and gold. But just before his junior season, Wayde Sims was fatally shot during a fight following a party near the Southern University campus. Brown says he was inspired by Wayne Sims’ faith and will remember how he conducted himself on and off the court.
“Just a good, good human being and a very solid player and didn’t need all the attention,” said Brown. “He played with some great players, but was a great player in his own right.”
Former teammate Ricky Blanton –
“I was very sad to hear of the passing of my good friend, Wayne Sims. He was a great teammate and even better person. If you knew Wayne, you could not help but be embraced by his extreme kindness. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.”
Current LSU men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon
“The entire LSU Basketball family is heartbroken at the loss of Wayne Sims. Wayne was a true Tiger whose life and legacy made a lasting impact on our program and our community. All our thoughts, prayers, and support go toward his wife, Fay, and their family and friends at this difficult time.”
Former LSU men’s basketball coach, current Texas Southern coach Johnny Jones (Wayne Sims’ cousin, assistant coach when Wayne played and coach of Wayde Sims during his first year at LSU)
“Wayne had a heart of gold and never met a stranger. His ability to comfort others at the toughest times, that radiant smile and hearty laughter will all be certainly missed. As a relative, I will always cherish and remember our times together.”
Former LSU men’s basketball coach, current McNeese coach Will Wade (coach of Wayde Sims at LSU) –
“It’s always hard to lose a member of the LSU Basketball family, but losing Wayne is especially difficult. Wayne was a man of few words but incredibly strong faith. He and Fay worked tirelessly to keep Wayde’s memory alive. Personally, I’ll never forget Wayne and Fay saying that God will find a way to save lives through Wayde’s death. I have no doubt the same will happen through Wayde and Wayne now. My family and I are keeping Fay and his family in our prayers.”
Comments