Nazareth Glenn attends the honorary street sign dedication for Ben Wilson on Nov. 21, 2022, in Chicago. We do not get enough recognition as we probably should. 14 overall pick in the 1989 NBADraft by the Golden State Warriors and was the heart of their Run TMC teams(with Mitch Richmond and Chris Webber) of the early 1990s. For generations, the ball played in high school gyms around this city has been as good as anywhere in the country, producing an unmatched list of players that eventually matriculated to success in the NBA. High school: Whitney YoungCollege: DePaulCareer highlights: Conference USAPlayer of the Year, 2005 NBA Three Point Shootout champion Richardson led Whitney Young to a state championship and was named a McDonaldsAll-American before staying home in Chicago to play at DePaul. Wilson died after being shot near the school. A lot of people underestimated us. Buckner was the national player of the year in 1972 and was recruited by John Wooden of UCLA and Bob Knight of Indiana. High school: Westinghouse College: Bradley Career highlights: 1988 NCAA AP Player of the Year, 1991 NBA All-StarHawkins played four years at Bradley University, where he won back-to-backMissouri Valley Conference Player of the Year Awards and averaged an NCAADivision I-leading 36.3 points per game his senior year. (Michael Blackshire / Chicago Tribune), Curtis Glenn, oldest brother of Ben Wilson, cries while holding his granddaughters Bella Robinson, 8, left, and Chloe Robinson, 10, during a street sign dedication for Benji Wilson on Nov. 21, 2022, in Chicago. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune), Curtis Glenn, Ben Wilson's oldest brother, center, accepts a framed team jersey from members of the Simeon High School boys basketball team on Nov. 14, 2009. And that team was the same way. The team had a 71-game winning streak.<\/p>\n

De Matha, the team that snapped Power Memorial's 71-game winning streak was led by Bob Whitmore, Sid Catlett, Bernard Williams Mickie Wiles and Ernie Austin. All rights reserved.Privacy policy | Terms of use | Sitemap. By Joe Henricksen. There were a total of 30 voters, but not all cast a ballot in each class (29 in 1A & 2A, 26 in 3A, 22 in 4A). POINTS Brock Harding, Moline (6-0, Sr., PG) 71 Niko Abusara, Lisle Benet (6-5, Sr., G) 60 Ahmad Henderson, Chicago Brother Rice (5-9, Sr., G) 34 Jake Fiegen, Winnetka New Trier (6-4, Sr., G) 33 Ben Oosterbaan, Hinsdale Central (6-6, Sr., G) 25. Just the rich tradition of Simeon basketball. After his sophomore year, Richardson was the No. 105-34 (L) Simeon @ Kenwood. For the last 22 years, he has served as sports director of KEX Radio in Portland, Oregon. By visiting ChooseChicago.com, you are consenting to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Former NBA player and fellow Chicago native Will Bynum was also in attendance for Friday's game, as well as hundreds of others in support. PF 1119 PA 1294 STREAK 1L. The 53-year-old says he knew Wilson and Melvin Nunn in high school but was even more proud to see Kendrick Nunn succeed. Lynn's book, "Thornridge: The Perfect Season in Black and White," published by AuthorHouse, brings back memories for high school basketball fans throughout Illinois. He was also a member of the gold medal-winning teamin the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. 1 team in the nation. "He always looks the same, I think that would be a great meme, isn't that what you call it?" Could Simeon break Thornridge's suffocating 1-2-1-1 zone press that devastated every opponent? And countless others that lets face it would beat you pretty soundly in a game of H-O-R-S-E. To celebrate this longstanding tradition of basketball excellence, weve rather poetically put together a list of Chicagos greatest all-time basketball players. The only two-time consensus All-American in program history, Granite City, Ill., native helped Illini win back-to-back Big Ten titles under Head Coach Doug Mills. The Illinis career scoring leader, who prepped at Chicago Simeon, stands third all-time in blocked shots and fourth in rebounds. He was a member of the National Honor Society. We are one of the few schools in the state that has been on top since the 70s. Coach Smith says regarding the culture and history behind Simeon High School. At Illinois, Liberty wasa key member of the Flyin Illini Final Four team in 1988-89. Who would you choose to lead your team, Parker or Quinn Buckner? Could Thornridge make the transition to today's fast-paced style? In the era prior to the three-point shot, the Falcons averaged 88 points per game. Named All-American and won three national awards. He played one year of football at Indiana before quitting to concentrate on basketball. Share your memories by posting photos or stories, or find out about your next class reunion! High school: Hirsch Metro College: University of Michigan Career highlights: NCAA All-American, NBA All-StarGreen was named a first-team All-American at Michigan in 1977, and was selectedin the first round of the NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors that summer. One man's opinion after covering almost three decades of Illinois basketball. Get Directions. 2: Jalen Griffith . "Quinn Buckner was the most mature high school athlete I ever saw, both physically and mentally. With that out of the way, we proudly present Chicagos all-time greatest basketball players. 25, the number Ben Wilson wore while he played for the team. He was the leader of Detroits back-to-back NBA championship teams in 1989 and 1990 and was named the FinalsMVP in 1990. Jalen Griffin, who was a junior last season, has been on varsity since he was a freshmen also and they have been through the wars already. He answers. Thomas left asthe all-time leading scorer in U. of I history, and is the only mensbasketball player in the schools history to score over 2,000 points. Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources CPS Non-Discrimination Statement Simeon Career Academy Simeon Career Academy. -The old Joliet Catholic High School . A five-player first team and five-player second team were selected in each class. Again, wed like to claim him, but cannot. HONORABLE MENTION (23 TOTAL; IN ORDER OF POINTS) Ross Robertson, South Beloit (6-8, Soph., C) 48; Wyatt Thompson, Dwight (6-7, Sr., F/C) 40; Logan Fleener, Louisville North Clay (6-2, Sr., G) 36; Aidan Dodson, Farina South Central (5-10, Sr., SG) 33; Justin Durham, Wayne City (6-6, Sr., C) 33; Sebastian Hill, Decatur Lutheran (LSA) (6-3, Jr., G) 32; JuJuan Cozark, Chicago Marshall (6-5, Sr., F) 27; Parker Boehne, Centralia Christ Our Rock Lutheran (6-0, Jr., G) 19; QiAndre Washington, Chicago Manley (6-0, Sr., G) 18; Mason Robinson, Altamont (6-3, Sr., G/F) 17; Korbin Gann, Pecatonica (6-5, Sr., G/F) 16; Ben Lothery, Elgin Harvest Christian (6-1, Sr., G) 12; Camden Figgins, Serena (5-11, Sr., PG) 11; Martin Ledbetter, Hinckley Big-Rock (6-5, Soph., F) 11; Alec Thomas, Lexington (6-2, Sr., F) 9; Zack Evans, Winchester West Central (6-1, Jr., G) 8; Avery Jahraus, Altamont (6-2, Sr., G) 8; Austin Wittenberg, Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg (6-3, Sr., G) 8; Elijah Aumann, Nokomis (6-2, Sr., G) 6; John Kveck, Grant Park (6-6, Sr., C) 6; Nick Moore, Camp Point Central (6-1, Jr., G) 6; Lucas Simpson, Sterling Newman Central Catholic (6-2, Jr., F) 6; Michael Wilson, Jacksonville Routt (6-5, Sr., F) 6. Joining them soon will be Simeon alum and Duke star Jabari Parker, who's projected as one of the top picks in the June 26 NBA draft. The NBA has become a global game. By Michael O'Brien May 12, 2022, 3:43pm PDT Pocket Reddit Flipboard Buckner stood up and said to his coach and the other players: "If we win all of our games, we will accomplish all of our goals." Brock played star high school ball at Simeon Career Academy of the Chicago Public League. . He also ranks in the Top 10 in rebounds and blocked shots. Cheeks still ranks 11thall-time in assists and fifth all-time in steals in NBA history. The gravesite of Ben Wilson at Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago on Nov. 10, 2009. 11 pick by the Magic in 1989. Wilson was a top basketball prospect at Simeon High School when he was murdered during his senior year in 1984. The Wolverines extended their Red South winning streak to 46 before a loss to South Shore on Feb. 18. One incident tells you all you need to know about the Thornridge team: During a team meeting prior to the start of the season, Ferguson was listing his team's goals on a chalkboard. It was the best team produced by legendary coach Morgan Wootten.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, Thornridge 1972 ranked ahead of Oscar Robertson's 1955 Indianapolis Crispis Attucks team and Wilt Chamberlain's 1955 Philadelphia Overbrook team.<\/p>\n

The author, Scott Lynn (real name: Scott Betzelberger), has an interesting background in Illinois high school basketball. Nunn spent the 2018-19 season in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors after Golden State waived him during its final cuts. He entered the draft early and was No. During his collegiate career, Rivers was named the MVP of the FIBAWorld Championship in 1982. And that team was the same way. Simeon High School basketball star Ben Wilson on Nov. 13, 1984. Hardaway created thekiller crossover and was among the most lethal guards in the NBA over his13-year career. Simeon High School . He is a nine-time NBA All-Star and, in2006, was named the Sportsman of the Year by both the Sporting News and SportsIllustrated. Mr. Basketball Eric Anderson got the better of Thomas, and St. Francis De Sales rallied from an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Simeon 60-57 in overtime in the state Elite Eight. He is the Heats all-timeleading scorer, was named the 2006 NBA Finals MVP, the 2010 NBA All-Star GameMVP and won the 2009 NBA scoring title. High school: St. JosephCollege: Ohio State UniversityCareer highlights: Big TenConference Player of the Year, NCAA Player of the Year Turner, like Isiah Thomas, graduated from St. Joseph High School in suburbanWestchester and took his talents to Ohio State. Simeon Career Academy has been at the forefront of producing NBA players in recent years with Derrick Rose, DePaul star Bobby Simmons and Nick Anderson. I dont know. Simeon supporters argue, justifiably, that Thornridge didn't play the challenging national schedule that awaits the Wolverines. The closest any other state champion came was La Grange and Ted Caiazza in 1953, which went 29-0 without allowing any opponent to come within nine points. I asked coach Smith to reflect on last seasons team as they were also ranked as one of the top ranked public schools in the country. Wilson was affectionately known as Benji. (Michael Blackshire / Chicago Tribune), Ben Wilson of Simeon High School was considered the No. 2 all-time in scoring behind Thomas, Chicago Westinghouse High School product stands fifth in assists and seventh in steals. Benjamin Wilson, a 6-7 forward of Simeon High School, was deemed the best high school basketball player in the country. CLASS 3A FIRST TEAM NAME, SCHOOL (HT., YR., POS.) Friends and family mourn slain Simeon High School basketball star Ben Wilson during a brief graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery on Nov. 24, 1984. Had a long NBA career, playing in the Finals three times. Afternoon Briefing: WXRT star Terri Hemmert recounts fatal New Orleans shooting, Quinn Schambow has more than a great arm to be Libertyvilles quarterback and catcher as a sophomore, Bill would allow 14-year-olds to serve alcohol in Wisconsin, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. High school: Thornton College: Fresno State Career highlights: 2x WAC Player of the year, 2007 NBA ChampionEly was the center on the nationally-ranked Thornton team that also includedfuture NFL players at point guard (Randle-El) and power forward (Harris). 10. On that day, Chicago prep hoops legend Ben Wilson was killed at age 17. Mar 9, 2023, 7:49am PDT. Print. Simeon High School, which is located in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the most famous and well known basketball programs around the country. Simeon basketball star Ben Wilson, right, with his coach, Bob Hambric, at Simeon in 1984. High school: Carver College: University of Texas at El Paso Career highlights: 5x NBA All-Star Hardaway was selected with the No. So author Scott Lynn thinks it is time to remind today's hip-hoppers and slam-jammers and crossover dribblers that, 40 years ago, Thornridge's 1971-72 team created every bit as much hoopla as Simeon. He entered the draft early and was No. Afterthree seasons with Michigan State, Brown was selected in the first round of the2006 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. One of the leaders of the 2005 NCAA runners-up, the point guard from Dallas went from Illinois to a starring role in the NBA. You know, I do not think anybody expected us to get where we got last season. High school: Perspectives Charter School College: University of Kentucky Career highlights: 2011-12 NCAA Player of the Year (AP, Naismith, JohnWooden Award), Final Four M.O.P. We still have to get on the court and play the games. (Heather Charles / Chicago Tribune), Simeon assistant coach Maurice Jones, left, helps with a framed portrait of Ben Wilson during a ceremony where the basketball team was being honored for their fourth consecutive Class 4A IHSA championship at Simeon High School in Chicago on March 20, 2013. He died the next day. Melvin was a sophomore teammate of Wilson's as he entered his senior year ranked as the nation's No. Years later, he would say this was a better team than the 1984 state champs. 6 ranking in the Tribune Top 20 and ended with a 53-47 victory over No. He was named an All-American in 1994before taking his talents to the NBA; that summer, the Washington Bullets madeHoward the fifth overall pick in the NBA Draft. Phone: (773) 535-3200 Fax: (773) 535-3465. In his fourth season in the NBA he started a career-high 74games for the LA Clippers and his point-per-game average more than doubled to16.4, earning him the leagues Most Improved Player Award for the 2004-05season. No Illinois team before or since has ever done it better.<\/p>\n

That is the challenge that confronts Simeon this season.<\/p>\n", mps => {"league":"","sport":"","sponsor":""}, chrome_data => "{\"league\":\"\",\"sport\":\"\",\"sponsor\":\"\"}", image => {"uri":"public:\/\/archive\/assets_article\/chicago\/2011\/12\/06\/604768.png","alt":"604768.png","title":"Remembering Thornridge -- 40 years later"}, fb_url => "https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/dialog\/share?app_id=330072974228200&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcsports.com%2Fchicago%2Fremembering-thornridge-40-years-later&display=popup", tw_url => "https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=Remembering%20Thornridge%20--%2040%20years%20later&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcsports.com%2Fchicago%2Fremembering-thornridge-40-years-later&original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcsports.com%2Fchicago%2Fremembering-thornridge-40-years-later", mailto => "mailto:?subject=Remembering%20Thornridge%20--%2040%20years%20later&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcsports.com%2Fchicago%2Fremembering-thornridge-40-years-later", meta => {"file":"\/mnt\/gfs\/rsnunited\/sites\/default\/files\/archive\/article\/chicago\/remembering-thornridge-40-years-later.json","assets":["public:\/\/archive\/assets_article\/chicago\/2011\/12\/06\/604768.png"]}, orig_image => {"uri":"public:\/\/2016\/04\/11\/604768.png","alt":"604768.png","title":"Remembering Thornridge -- 40 years later"}. LIST OF VOTERS (30) Derek Bayne, WREX-TV Rockford; Aaron Britton, Nesto Hoops.com; Josh Brown, Robinson Daily News; Jack Bullock, A Baseline View (Southern Illinois); Jimmy Dean, WGGH radio Marion; Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star; Charlie Ellerbrock, The Times (Ottawa/Streator); Kevin Hieronymus, Bureau County Republican; Brian Hoxsey, The Times (Ottawa/Streator); Johnston City Newsbreak; Fred Kroner, Mahomet Daily; Colin Likas, Champaign News-Gazette; Randy List, Centralia Morning Sentinel; Jim Mattson, WEEK-TV Peoria/Bloomington; Erich Murphy, Pontiac Daily Leader; Seth Pote, Chicagoland Prep Hoops.com; Dick Quagliano, Chicago Daily Herald; Randy Reinhardt, Bloomington Pantagraph; Matt Rodewald, IHSA TV Network; Greg Sapp, WXEF-WKJT radio Effingham; Mason Schweizer, Kankakee Daily Journal; Steve Tappa, MC22-TV Quad Cities/QCSportsNet/AP All-State chair; Matt Trowbridge, Rockford Register-Star; Greg Shashack, Alton Telegraph; Steve Soucie, Joliet Herald-News; Joe Stevenson, (Crystal Lake) Northwest Herald; Alex Wallner, Effingham Daily News; Josh Welge, Kendall County Record/Kane County Chronicle; William Welt, Springfield State Journal-Register; Matt Wilson, Carlyle Union Banner. Diminutive guard Gerry Smith was the leader. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. High school: Simeon Career AcademyCollege: MemphisCareer highlights: 2009 NBA Rookieof the Year, 2011 NBA MVP, 3x NBA All-Star Rose was the top point guard in the country coming out of Simeon, and ledMemphis to the NCAA Championship Game in his only collegiate season. Dora B. Jones sings "Keep Looking Up" for Mary Wilson, right, mother of slain basketball star Ben Wilson, at the second anniversary vigil for her son on Nov. 20, 1986. Tab has attended NHL, MLB, NBA, and NFL playoff games in Chicago, as well as the NCAA tournament, the Rose Bowl, and the 2009 NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field. POINTS David Douglas, Yorkville Christian (6-5, Jr., G) 113 Roderic Gatewood, Mounds Meridian (5-9, Sr., G) 101 Danny Stephens, Augusta Southeastern (6-7, Sr., PG/C) 94 Tyler Franklin, Cobden (6-6, Sr., F) 72 Jakson Baber, Bloomington Cornerstone Christian (6-2, Sr., F) 70, SECOND TEAM NAME, SCHOOL (HT., YR., POS.) Friends, family and supporters celebrate as an honorary street sign is revealed and dedicated to Benji Wilson on Nov. 21, 2022, in Chicago. . Prospect: PG Ahamad Bynum. The meeting was over. The author, Scott Lynn (real name: Scott Betzelberger), has an interesting background in Illinois high school basketball. Urbana, IL 61801 (Ernie Cox Jr. / Chicago Tribune), Stunned friends and classmates break down upon viewing Ben Wilson's body at the wake held in Simeon High School's gymnasium on Nov. 23, 1984. After playing basketball and graduating from Southern Illinois in 1976, he set out on a career in radioTV broadcasting. Jeffrey Wilson, center, talks to friends and family during a street sign dedication ceremony for his older brother, Ben Wilson, on Nov. 21, 2022, in Chicago. And it features 6-8 junior Jabari Parker, whose youthful celebrity is comparable to LeBron James and Derrick Rose. POINTS Jase Whiteman, Rockridge (6-1, Sr., G) 56 Caleb Siemer, Teutopolis (6-6, Sr., F/C) 45 Walt Hill Jr., Rockford Lutheran (6-1, Sr., G) 44 Jaheim Savage, Chicago Phillips (6-4, Sr., PG/SG) 41 JaKeem Cole, Chicago Perspectives-Leadership (6-1, Sr., SG) 39. which has No. No. Ben Wilson Sr. arrives at St. Bernard Hospital on Nov. 20, 1984, in Chicago after his son Ben Wilson was shot in the chest during his lunch hour near Simeon High School. He died Nov. 21, 1984, a day after he was shot near Simeon High School. Last Day of School Show Calendar . (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune). I play to win. High school: Archbishop Quigley Preparatory SeminaryCollege: DePaulCareer highlights: Inducted intoHall of Fame in 1959, five-time NBA Champion Mikan was one of the first great big men in the NBA, and his incredible list ofaccolades attests to his dominance. Students hold a candlelight vigil on Nov. 26, 1984, on the South Side, where Simeon High School basketball star Ben Wilson was slain the week before. The New OrleansHornets made him the number one overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Jeffrey Wilson, center, talks to friends and family during a street sign dedication ceremony for his older brother, Ben Wilson, on Nov. 21, 2022, in Chicago. Kerr was the firstcoach in the history of the Chicago Bulls (1966-67), and was a joy to listen toas a broadcaster for decades. In 1996, Walker led UK to the NCAAChampionship before turning pro. He was captain of Lincoln's 1971-72 team that was rated behind Thornridge for much of the regular season. OVERALL 11-17 0.39 Win % CONFERENCE 3-5 6th in Conference. He was the second overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. The mission was clear: 33-0. All selections listed in order of voting points. Only 16 years after heappeared in his only NBA All-Star Game, Howard finally won an NBA Championshipin 2012 with the Miami Heat. Wilson, affectionately known as Benji, was a top high school basketball prospect at Simeon High School when he was murdered during his senior year in 1984. S Coach Robert Smith's Wolverines, heavily favored to win their third state championship in a row and fifth in seven years, are being touted as the No. Wilson was a top basketball prospect at Simeon High School when he was murdered during his senior year in 1984. 1 team in the nation. MOLINE, Ill. (AP) Here are the Illinois Associated Press Class 1A-4A All-State boys basketball teams as voted on by a statewide panel of newspaper sports writers/editors, TV/radio broadcasters, and internet-site editors/reporters. He holds 26th spot on Illini points list. High school: Fenwick College: Duke University Career highlights:McDonalds All-America Maggette was anAll-American at Fenwick before spending only one year with the Duke BlueDevils. High school: St. JosephCollege: Indiana UniversityCareer highlights: 2x NBAchampion, 12x NBA All-Star, NCAA Champion One of the most decorated point guards of the last 40 years, Thomas led theHoosiers to the 1981 National Championship and was named the Most OutstandingPlayer of that years Final Four before going pro. Simeon was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 30, 1916 and was of Creole descent. 11 overall pick by the OrlandoMagic (the first pick in that franchises history) in 1989. They also won the Class 4A championship four times; 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2012-13 (which tied Manual High School for the longest Illinois state championship title run). High school: Carver College: DePaul Career highlights: 2x NBA All-Star, 1983 NBA Rookie of the Year. He was named first team All-NBA in 1997 and his career averageof 8.2 assists per game is the twelfth best mark in NBA history. Began season outside the Tribune Top 15 despite the previous team's success and did not duplicate it. High school: Simeon Career Academy College: University of Illinois Career highlights: Key member of the Flyin Illini Final Four teamAnderson was named Mr. Basketball in 1986 and led the University of Illinois tothe Final Four in 1989. All media members covering high school basketball in the state were eligible to nominate and vote for players.
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