Former LSU basketball star Wayne Sims passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2023, at the age of 54. He was a standout player for the Tigers from 1987 to 1991, helping them reach four NCAA tournaments and win the SEC championship in 1990. He was also the father of the late Wayde Sims, who played for LSU from 2016 to 2018 and was fatally shot in 2018.
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A Beloved Teammate and Friend
Sims was born and raised in Deridder, Louisiana, where he attended Deridder High School and was a two-time All-State selection. He was ranked 24th in the nation in the class of 1986 and averaged 21.9 points and nine rebounds as a senior.
He joined LSU in 1987 and played under legendary coach Dale Brown. He was teammates with future NBA stars such as Shaquille O’Neal and Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf. He played 117 games for LSU, starting 74 of them, and scored 1,107 career points and grabbed 603 rebounds. He is one of 21 LSU players to reach 1,000 career points and 500 rebounds, and one of nine players in program history to appear in four NCAA tournaments.
He had some memorable performances for the Tigers, such as scoring 24 points in an upset win over No. 2 Georgetown in 1989 in front of a crowd of 54,321 at the Superdome in New Orleans. He also helped LSU win the SEC regular season title in 1990, the first for the program since 1985.
He was known as “Big Daddy” by his teammates and friends, who loved him for his personality and leadership. He brought out the best in his fellow players and was always supportive and positive.
“He brought the best out in players, and everyone liked him,” Brown said in a statement. “He was a team player — didn’t get the credit maybe he deserved for the great run they had, but he was a wonderful person.”
“He was never a flashy guy that needed stardom, but he was the base to our team.”
One of his closest friends was O’Neal, who played with him from 1989 to 1991. O’Neal was devastated by the news of Sims’ passing and called Brown to express his grief.
“To give you an idea of how loved he was, one of the very first calls I got today was from Shaq,” Brown said. “He was all broken up because he loved Wayne so much. I don’t know anybody that didn’t love Wayne Sims. Walk-ons and some of the best stars have all called me. He was loved by everybody.”
A Devoted Father and Husband
Sims is survived by his wife, Fay Sims, whom he married in 1992. The couple had one son together, Wayde Sims, who followed his father’s footsteps and played for LSU from 2016 to 2018.
Wayde Sims was a promising player for the Tigers, averaging 5.6 points and 2.9 rebounds per game as a sophomore. However, his life and career were cut short after he was shot and killed during an off-campus altercation on Sept. 28, 2018, just before the start of his junior season.
The suspect, Dyteon Simpson, was convicted of second-degree murder last year and was sentenced to life in prison.
Wayne and Fay Sims were devastated by their son’s death but remained strong and faithful. They set up the Baton Rouge-based Wayde Sims Foundation in memory of their son, which aims to provide scholarships and mentoring programs for young athletes.
“They worked tirelessly to keep Wayde’s memory alive,” said Will Wade, who was Wayde Sims’ coach at LSU. “I’ll never forget Wayne and Fay saying that God will find a way to save lives through Wayde’s death.”
A Tragic Loss for the LSU Community
Sims’ death came as a shock to the LSU community, which mourned the loss of one of its most beloved basketball players and alumni.
LSU athletic director Scott Woodward issued a statement expressing his condolences to Sims’ family and friends.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Wayne Sims,” Woodward said. “He was a tremendous ambassador for LSU basketball as a player and as a father. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and loved him.”
LSU basketball coach Will Wade also released a statement honoring Sims’ legacy and impact on the program.
“Wayne Sims was one of the pillars of LSU basketball,” Wade said. “He represented everything that is great about being a Tiger. He was a fierce competitor, a loyal teammate, a devoted father and a faithful friend. He touched so many lives with his kindness and generosity. We are heartbroken by his passing and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and the entire LSU basketball family.”
Sims’ funeral arrangements are pending. He will be remembered as a great player, a great person and a great Tiger.
