“Rip Big Daddy”: Shaquille O’Neal Grieves with Thousands after Heartbreaking Loss of Former Teammate

As celebrations of winning the National Championship earlier this month had barely died down, the LSU basketball community suffered a major heartbreak. Distressing news of former LSU Tigers star Wayne Sims’ passing shocked many, including former teammate Shaquille O’Neal. Former LSU coach Dale Brown revealed that O’Neal was one of the first to call him after hearing the news. While the cause of death hasn’t been revealed yet, thousands joined Shaq to mourn the unexpected death of ‘Big Daddy’ at the age of 54.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend addressed his former teammate today on social media. Wayne Sims rocked the Tigers’ colors from 1987 to 1991. While fans remembered the veteran hooper, Shaq recalled his LSU days in his tribute to his former teammate.

Shaquille O’Neal remembers former teammate Wayne Sims

The friendship between Shaq and Sims started way back in the 1990s when the two played together for the LSU Tigers. Famously known as ‘Big Daddy’, Sims was considered a “base” to the team, according to then head coach Dale Brown. Appearing in 117 games for LSU, Sims secured a total of 1107 points and 603 rebounds, averaging 21.9 points in his senior year. 

The dominance of LSU led by Sims and Shaq from 1989 to 1991 still makes Tigers fans nostalgic. Sims helped the team qualify for the NCAA postseason for four consecutive years. Known for bringing the best out of his teammates, the 6’7 star paved the way for Shaq at LSU. 

Following the disheartening incident, Shaq wrote an emotional note on his Instagram. He wrote, “Rest in power big daddy. You showed me the way at LSU brother,” sharing a picture of him dapping up Sims. 

A few years back, Sims’ son Wayde Sims, who played for the Tigers from 2016 to 2018, was shot dead after an altercation outside the campus. Wayne and his wife, Fay Sims, set up the Baton Rouge-based Wayde Sims Foundation in the loving memory of their son.

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Fans mourn the passing of Wayne Sims

Shaquille O’Neal’s note brought out the emotional side of basketball fans as they continue to mourn the passing of Wayne Sims. Looking back at the impact he made at LSU, fans shared their hearty condolences to the Sims family. Here are some of the reactions to Shaq’s eulogy:

“Oh my gosh I remember him too #LSU”

“Rest in peace! I hope he knew is presence on earth mattered and was impactful.”

“With his baby boy again “

“My heartfelt condolences.”

“Sorry for your loss Shaq. May he Rest In Peace”

“Sleep in Heavenly Peace”

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