LSU basketball is mourning the loss of one of their own in Wayde Sims, who was killed in a shooting near the Southern University campus early Friday morning.
“We are all devastated, “said head coach Will Wade in a release from LSU. “We need your prayers for Wayde, for his family, for all of us. We are heartbroken.”
Sims, who was about to begin his junior season with the LSU Tigers, averaged 5.6 points and 2.9 boards per game last year. Prior to joining the program, he was the Louisiana 2014-15 Gatorade Player of the Year after leading University Lab to three straight state championships.
“Wayde Sims’ loss is simply unbelievable to us right now,” said vice chancellor and director of athletics Joe Alleva. “There are no words that can express our sorrow for his parents and family. He was such a lovable young man who was full of joy. We are circling around his teammates and friends who need all the love and support we can give them. We are praying for his family, for his parents. God bless Wayde Sims.”
Social media was flooded with reaction from teammates, college basketball dignitaries, and others associated with the university.
Lil bro was such a caring individual man I’m hurt. RIP Wayde #Forever44 pic.twitter.com/bENVqdnhYq
— Aaron Epps (@AaronEpps21) September 28, 2018
Man idk what to or can I say about this one. From the time we were 10 hooping at sports academy. Praying for your mom and pops man. I still remember the conversation we had after this game. Thanking God for the times we shared man. pic.twitter.com/rNP7il59Pg
— Johnathan Stove (@iso_stove) September 28, 2018
We are heartbroken to learn of @LSUBasketball student-athlete Wayde Sims’ death. The loss of a student-athlete anywhere is a loss for everyone associated with intercollegiate athletics. The entire @SEC is praying for the Sims family, @LSU & the Baton Rouge community.
— Greg Sankey (@GregSankey) September 28, 2018
Saying a prayer this morning for Wayde and the @LSUBasketball family. Very tough news to hear we've lost a young man just getting started. My condolences to his family, friends and teammates. https://t.co/K2yvrqfpbB
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) September 28, 2018
RIP Wayde Sims… Damn
— Jarvis Juice Landry (@God_Son80) September 28, 2018
So sad. I’ve been at a loss of words all day. Gamecocks stand with LSU and the Sims family and we will pray together. Our condolences https://t.co/5XHqxOiuxd
— Frank Martin (@FrankMartin_SC) September 28, 2018
When he arrived at #LSU, Sims honored his father, Wayne, by donning his former jersey number, 44. This is such an awful incident. I’ll be praying for the Sims family continuously today. pic.twitter.com/aMnAgzMsx4
— Seth Nieman (@seth_nieman) September 28, 2018
We love you Wayde pic.twitter.com/BVW7Omd2BK
— Joe Spencer (@CoachJoeSpencer) September 28, 2018
Our thoughts and our prayers are with the Sims family, the LSU family and the Baton Rouge community after the senseless passing of an incredible young man. https://t.co/1HbhGHeJk7
— Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns® Men's Basketball (@RaginCajunsMBB) September 28, 2018
-Clint Domingue