BJ Tyler: I had no idea

[beencounting]

Prior to the 1995-96 NBA season, Tyler was selected by the Toronto Raptors in the 1995 expansion draft. According to journalist Chris Young's book Drive, Tyler accidentally fell asleep with a pack of ice on his knee, severely damaging it and thus losing all the speed for which he was famed, and subsequently had to retire.[1]
The Link

I was at UT the year that BJ Tyler transferred from Depaul and was sitting out a year (1990-91), but would regularly hang out at gregory gym hooping it up with regulars. To this day, he is the quickest human being I have ever seen in person. At 6'1, dunking on people in a half court offense, just a human blur.

I did not follow his career and was perplexed why I did not see him on TV, now we know the bizarre ending. What a tragedy, and what a waste of some amazing talent. It doesn't help to be a light sleeper.

 

[ShortStroker]

man that guy could ball.

 

[pike]

I bet you didn't know Syd spoke 7 languages either. Or that Buckmans dad played golf.

 

[DVPMD]

career ended by a bag of ice, that's a tough way to go out and incredibly unbelievable.

 

[UTAustin92]

Sad. The guy was a baller. I was a fan of his until the few times I met him in person at Gregory.

 

[Horns11]

I thought the story was that he fell asleep with his whole leg in the ice bath in one of those little aluminum hot tub things that they have in training rooms.

 

[Aces_Full]

BJ is currently back in his hometown of Port Arthur. He has been a great asset to the local community helping any kid interested in basketball get better. He not only helps his hometown kids out, but those of the surrounding towns as well. One thing is for sure...basketball is still a big part of his life, and he is a big part of the local kids' lives.

 

[Horn69]

and that is more important than anything. always good to hear the accomplishments and maturity of the guys after they leave Texas.

Hook'em!!!