Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources CPS Non-Discrimination Statement Simeon Career Academy Simeon Career Academy. High school: Simeon Career AcademyCollege: University of IllinoisCareer highlights: 1989 Illinois Mr.Basketball, Illini All-Century Team Thomas was a McDonalds All-American and Illinois Mr. Basketball in 1989. 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. The Rubin twins had transferred in and they had a really great season for us. The school retired No. During his NBA career, Hornacek played in the 1992 NBAAll-Star Game and won the three-point contest twice. The team had a 71-game winning streak. Committed to: DePaul. Also, Tab is the author of 100 Things Blackhawks Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die with a forward from Jeremy Roenick (Triumph Books, 2011). Melvin was a sophomore teammate of Wilson's as he entered his senior year ranked as the nation's No. When theChicago Bulls won the 2008 NBA Draft Lottery, there was no question who wouldbe the top overall pick. 3: Michael Ratliff. 11 pick by the Magic in 1989. Ervin Small caught an elbow in the King loss and missed nearly a full quarter. 1 team in the nation. Legenday King coach Sonny Cox asked rhetorically how "that dude can block shots like that and not get fouls called" after Thomas had 20 points and five blocks in the 66-59 win. which has No. A brother of slain Simeon High basketball star Ben Wilson comforts his father, Ben Sr., at the 17-year-old boy's wake on Nov. 23, 1984. alias => "chicago\/\/remembering-thornridge-40-years-later", title => "Remembering Thornridge -- 40 years later", article_body => "

Simeon's 2011-12 basketball team has stirred up considerable excitement. CLASS 4A FIRST TEAM NAME, SCHOOL (HT., YR., POS.) He then signed a three-year, $3.1 million deal with the Heat this past April. Last Day of School Show Calendar . An overflow crowd stands outside Operation PUSH headquarters where the funeral services were held for slain Simeon High School basketball player Ben Wilson on Nov. 24, 1984. 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. (Ed Wagner, Jr., Chicago Tribune). 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. At Illinois, he was named an All-American twice and led theFighting Illini to the 2005 NCAA Championship Game. Simeon coach Robert Smith, who led Derrick Rose and Jabari Parker to Illinois state titles, retiring after next season. (James Mayo / Chicago Tribune), A teacher consoles Simeon High School students as they grieve for their schoolmate Ben Wilson on Nov. 21, 1984. CLASS 3A FIRST TEAM NAME, SCHOOL (HT., YR., POS.) 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. "Whether he has 30 points or zero points, his facial expression and body language would look the same.". 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. 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 was the leader of Detroits back-to-back NBA championship teams in 1989 and 1990 and was named the FinalsMVP in 1990. Simeon coach Robert Smith holds a framed poster of Ben Wilson during a ceremony honoring his basketball team for their four consecutive state championships at Simeon High School in Chicago on March 20, 2013. 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. Thomas and guard Cody Butler had big seasons as the Wolverines won their first 28 games to set up the final and possibly most hyped meeting of this stretch with 28-1 King and its junior phenoms Jamie Brandon and Johnny Selvie. Simeon Wolverines Varsity Boys Basketball Chicago, IL FOLLOW TEAM 22-23 V. Basketball Home Schedule Roster Standings Rankings Photos Videos News More / Basketball All-Time Roster Simeon Basketball History Previous Seasons All-Time Roster 2022-23 ( 14 players) Head Coach: Robert Smith He is the only Chicago area athlete in history to be named Player of the Year in football and basketball. 1 prep player in the nation in 1984, the first from Illinois to earn that ranking. He played one year of football at Indiana before quitting to concentrate on basketball. Ben Wilson was the nation's top-rated prep basketball player when he was slain near Simeon High School. Vitals: 6-foot-3, 175 pounds. 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. Chicago Simeon High School product starred for the Flyin Illini, averaging 18 points his junior season. Projected Position: PG. High school: Tilden College: University of Illinois Career highlights: 1955 NBA Champion, 3x NBA All-Star, 1967 NBACoach of the Year Around Chicago indeed, the state of Illinois there arent many men in andaround the game of basketball that are loved as universally as Johnny RedKerry. He also ranks in the Top 10 in rebounds and blocked shots. 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). (Ed Wagner, Jr. / Chicago Tribune), 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. 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. Wilson was listed in critical condition. But he made his mark with defense and passing. Famous alumni include Derrick Rose, Kendrick Nunn, Jabari Parker, Bobby Simmons, Talen Horton-Tucker, and others. In 2010, he was named the AP,Naismith and Wooden NCAA National Player of the Year, as well as the Big TenConference Player of the Year. The New OrleansHornets made him the number one overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Big night for UA Elite 24 alumni. Adam Duvall is a . A daily sports newsletter delivered to your inbox for your morning commute. (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. In November 1984, the 6-foot-8 Wilson was on top of the prep basketball world, as "Benji" captures in gripping detail. Of course weve had a lot of great players that come through here. Sweet shooter, who beat Magic Johnson and Michigan State in 1979, spent 17 years in the NBA. He died Nov. 21, 1984, a day after he was shot near Simeon High School. Friends, family and supporters celebrate as an honorary street sign is revealed and dedicated to Benji Wilson on Nov. 21, 2022, in Chicago. 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. In one national poll of the top 25 high school teams of all time, Thornridge 1972 was rated No. In 2011, he won the NBAs Most Valuable Player Award. 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. He has been credentialed to cover NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB and PGA events, including the 2002 NFL Draft, 2010 Stanley Cup Finals and 2010 BMW Championship, and his work has been featured on NHL.com, FoxSports.com and CBSSports.com. Wilson was listed in critical condition. And that team was the same way. During his playing career, Rivers was an All-Starin 1988 and finished in the top five in the league in assists twice. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune). The school retired No. Hisnumber was retired by Iowa State, where he is still the all-time leader inassists and steals. High school: Chicago Vocational College: University of Michigan Career highlights: 2012 NBA Champion, 1996 NBA All-Star Howard was a member of the famous Fab Five teams at Michigan that played inthe 1992 and 1993 NCAA Championship Games. A player must have been named on two ballots to receive honorable mention. 2: Jalen Griffith . Status: SI All-American Candidate. Ben Wilson was the nation's top-rated prep basketball player when he was slain near Simeon High School. High school: Thornwood College: N/A Career highlights: 2012 NBA Champion After being named Mr. Basketball in Illinois at the conclusion of his prepcareer at Thornwood, Curry opted to skip college and go pro. It was really a tough group. Simeon basketball coach Robert Smith will retire after next season Robert Smith, the most successful boys high school basketball coach in state history, is closing in on 500 wins and has a record six state titles and seven city titles. Print. On April15, 2010, Wardle was named the head mens basketball coach at the University ofWisconsin-Green Bay. 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. (Ed Wagner, Jr., Chicago Tribune) 1979-80 16-11* The Bob Hambric era begins in 1980 with the mid-season firing of Lamont. Nazareth Glenn attends the honorary street sign dedication for Ben Wilson on Nov. 21, 2022, in Chicago. Small guard with a big heart, Proviso East High School (Maywood, Ill.) product led 2005 team to best year in school history. Simeon (Chicago) 297: 24: Jeff Hornacek: SG: 1987: Lyons Township (LaGrange) 329: 25: Mickey Johnson: PF: 1975: Lindblom (Chicago) 341: 26: Bucky Bockhorn: SG: 1959: Trico Consolidated (Campbell Hill) 382: 27: "I was in class and somebody woke me up, because I was sleep," Melvin Nunn told ESPN during halftime, while reflecting on Wilson's death. A four-year starter, Douglas helped the Illini reach four consecutive NCAA tournaments. Well I mean of course New York always says they are the mecca, but we feel like we are the mecca of basketball. 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. Lynn focuses on other fascinating human-interest stories that played out beyond the basketball courthow Ferguson was able to maintain discipline among his players, how Greg Rose had to work nights as a musician to support his family, Ferguson confessed that he rarely slept because he was worried that he would make a mistake that would cause his once-in-a-lifetime team to lose a game. 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. Hardaway created thekiller crossover and was among the most lethal guards in the NBA over his13-year career. On that day, Chicago prep hoops legend Ben Wilson was killed at age 17. (Ovie Carter / Chicago Tribune), 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. When he graduated in 2001, Wardle ranked thirdall-time in Marquette history in scoring after averaging 14.4 points per gamein 117 contests. Simeon High School basketball player Ben Wilson on Nov. 13, 1984. His 19,202 career points still rankamong the top-50 totals in NBA history. It was the best team produced by legendary coach Morgan Wootten. Who would you choose to lead your team, Parker or Quinn Buckner? The gravesite of Ben Wilson at Oak Woods Cemetery in Chicago on Nov. 10, 2009. Publichigh school Established 1894 (1894) Status Open[1] School district Chicago Public Schools NCESDistrict ID 1709930[2] School code IL-15-016-2990-25-1501629900011 CEEB code 140815 NCESSchool ID 170993000788[1] Principal Tonya Hammaker Grades 9-12 Gender Coeducational Enrollment 670[1] (2021) Grade 9 174[1] Grade 10 137[1] Grade 11 A five-player first team and five-player second team were selected in each class. By Joe Henricksen May 12, 2022, 3:51pm PDT Pocket Flipboard 11 pick by the Magic in 1989. Diminutive guard Gerry Smith was the leader. Simeon High School basketball player Ben Wilson on Nov. 13, 1984. In 1996, Walker led UK to the NCAAChampionship before turning pro. Like fellow Chicago Simeon alumni Derrick Rose of the Detroit Pistons, the undrafted Heat rookie Nunn continues to wear No. We bring back a lot of people, we bring back a lot of guys, and that was the big thing. 601 S. Lincoln Avenue Hambric told the Tribune in February he didn't think Simeon was getting the attention it deserved. "If ever a team was a worthy subject for a great book like this one, this is it--the greatest high school team I ever saw," said Mike Downey, former sports columnist for the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune who grew up in Chicago Heights and covered the Thornridge team for the Chicago Heights Star. He represented Philadelphia in the 1991All-Star Game. And that team was the same way. (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. He was the No. Point guard from Quincy, Ill., could score. "When I was in high school that's when I first really found out about it and learned the history about Simeon and Benji and then watching the documentary when it came out, the 30 for 30.". The culture is just what it is, its just a winning culture. Register as an alumni from Simeon High School and reunite with old friends and classmates. The Hoosiers advanced to the Final Four in his freshmanyear, losing to UCLA, before posting back-to-back undefeated regular seasons. He entered the draft early and was No. 100 Things Blackhawks Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die, 10 free things to do in Chicago this April, Chicago voted Best Big City in the U.S. for the sixth year in a row, Your guide to Chicago Cubs and White Sox baseball 2021, Where to order Super Bowl specials and watch the game in Chicago. By Joe Henricksen Sept 10, 2021, 7:43am PDT Simeon's expanding NBA legacy Pocket In the 1970s, Illinois schools were restricted by travel limitations. Stands third on Illini career scoring list. 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"}. Simeon's third city championship in five years tasted a bit sweeter because it came against King. 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. Though Simeon captured the Mayor's Trophy by winning the city holiday tournament, Hambric deemed it a rebuilding year. "If you're living right, doing things the right way and taking control of everything that you're in control of, good things will happen. pic.twitter.com/mB3fP6rCBy. Latest Updates. Only 16 years after heappeared in his only NBA All-Star Game, Howard finally won an NBA Championshipin 2012 with the Miami Heat. The Miami Heat selected himwith the fifth overall selection in the 2003 NBA Draft, and he has built thefinest resume in that franchises history since. A teacher consoles Simeon High School students as they grieve for their schoolmate Ben Wilson on Nov. 21, 1984. University of Illinois Alumni Association -- NOTE: Also receiving a single vote (thus not receiving honorable mention): Adrian Agee, Rockford Auburn; Bristol Lewis, East Moline United. He was named first-team All Conference USA in 2001. He played in two NBAFinals with the Utah Jazz (losing both times to Michael Jordans Bulls), andthe Jazz retired his number as well. I just dont think we get enough credit on what we do or how we play but it is what it is. He explains. We do not get enough recognition as we probably should. Sam Lewis, who committed to Toledo, and Kaiden Space, who has multiple offers already. (Val Mazzenga / Chicago Tribune), 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. 13 overall selection in the1999 NBA Draft. In the 1970s, Illinois schools were restricted by travel limitations. The Canton, Ohio, native had two of the highest-scoring seasons in program history, averaging better than 20 twice. Buckner was the national player of the year in 1972 and was recruited by John Wooden of UCLA and Bob Knight of Indiana. For the last 22 years, he has served as sports director of KEX Radio in Portland, Oregon. Upload it here. Kevin Garnett, while a graduate of Farragut Academy, only lived in Chicago for a little over a year. Bynum has served as a mentor for Nunn in trying to keep him on the right track. After playing basketball and graduating from Southern Illinois in 1976, he set out on a career in radioTV broadcasting. He came to Simeon without any organized basketball experience and left with the Illinois Mr. Basketball award. Thornridge's toughest opponents were south suburban rivals Bloom and Thornton and perennial Downstate power Peoria Manual.<\/p>\n

In a 33-0 season, Thornridge never allowed an opponent to come within 14 points. POINTS Jeremy Fears Jr., Joliet West (6-0, Sr., PG) 105 Owen Freeman, Moline (6-11, Sr., F) 102 Darrin Dai Dai Ames, Chicago Kenwood (6-2, Sr., PG) 100 Morez Johnson, Chicago St. Rita (6-9, Jr., F) 75 Cameron Christie, Rolling Meadows (6-6, Sr., G) 73, SECOND TEAM NAME, SCHOOL (HT., YR., POS.) -The old Joliet Catholic High School . Gates Gym (Winnetka) (1928-2021) Eveland Gym, Paris Park District - Former Paris H.S. HONORABLE MENTION (19 TOTAL; IN ORDER OF POINTS) Jordan Pickett, Belleville East (6-3, Sr., PG/SG) 21; Jack Stanton, Downers Grove North (6-2, Jr., G) 21; Nojus Indrusaitis, Chicago St. Rita (6-5, Jr., G/F) 15; James Brown, Chicago St. Rita (6-10, Jr., C) 14; Daniel Johnson, Chicago Whitney Young (6-7, Sr., F) 14; Stefan Cicic, Riverside-Brookfield (6-11, Jr., C) 11; Dalen Davis, Chicago Whitney Young (6-0, Sr., G) 11; Brayden Fagbemi, Lisle Benet (6-0, Sr., G) 11; Mekhi Cooper, Bolingbrook (6-0, Sr., G) 9; Brady Kunka, Lisle Benet (6-4, Sr., PF) 9; Mekhi Lowery, Oswego East High (6-7, Sr., G) 9; Niklas Polonowski, LaGrange Lyons Township (6-6, Sr., SG/SF) 9; Ryan Cohen, Glenbrook North (6-3, Sr., SG) 6; Jeremiah Fears, Joliet West (6-0, Soph., G) 6; Connor May, Palatine (6-7, Jr., G) 6; Braylen Meredith, Wheaton Warrenville South (6-6, Sr., F) 6; Jaheem Webber, Normal Community (6-9, Jr., C) 6; Luke Williams, Naperville North (6-1, Jr., G) 6; Koby Wilmoth, OFallon (6-7, Sr., F) 6. : https://t.co/hpR7JLDheo pic.twitter.com/6uMmDabNSs. 15 in Conference USA history. 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. Dunbar boasted three NBA first-round picks in the 1987 draft--Reggie Williams, Muggsy Bogues and Reggie Lewis. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. HONORABLE MENTION (21 TOTAL; IN ORDER OF POINTS) Jurrell Baldwin, Chicago Hyde Park (6-6, Jr., F) 37; Tyler Mason, Metamora (6-1, Jr., G) 30; Wesley Rubin, Chicago Simeon (6-8, Sr., G/F) 30; Darrion Baker, Hillcrest (6-8, Sr., F) 25; Jake Hamilton, Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin (6-4, Sr., G) 22; Artavious Smith, Peoria Richwoods (6-1, Jr., G) 15; Cooper LePage, Crystal Lake South (6-1, Sr., G) 14; Christian Benning, Streator (6-2, Jr., PG) 12; Samuel Lewis, Chicago Simeon (6-6, Sr., G) 12; Cruz Harlan, Centralia (5-9, Jr., G) 11; Troyer Carlson, Maple Park Kaneland (6-3, Jr., SG) 8; Anthony Jabe Haith, Aurora Marmion (6-3, Sr., PG) 8; Lyncoln Koester, Mount Zion (6-3, Soph., PG) 8; Bryce Tillery, Hillcrest (5-10, Sr., G) 8; Larenz Walters, Kankakee (6-1, Jr., G) 8; Matas Castillo, Lemont (6-0, Sr., PG) 6; Rokas Castillo, Lemont (6-0, Sr., SG) 6; Andre Klaver, Sterling (6-3, Jr., G) 6; Navontae Nesbit Jr., Mt. Get back to state. Cheeks still ranks 11thall-time in assists and fifth all-time in steals in NBA history. Call it a generational version of Beatle-mania. I think we have a really good shot of winning a city and state championship. He has also road tripped to see the Cubs, White Sox, Bears and Blackhawks in eight different states, and attended the 2011 NHL Awards in Las Vegas. I dont know. Mikan was so dominant thatthe NBA had to make rules changes because of him, including a wider lane andintroducing a shot clock. That is what kind of took us over the top, with those guys. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune), Simeon coach Robert Smith holds a framed poster of Ben Wilson during a ceremony honoring his basketball team for their four consecutive state championships at Simeon High School in Chicago on March 20, 2013. Organized w/the Simeon High School athletic fan in mind. 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. Rose won the 2009 NBA Rookie of the year and hasplayed in three All-Star Games. 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. He was the second overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Anderson scored ateam-record 50 points for the Magic in April 1993, and played in the 1995 NBAFinals. He is the only Chicago area athlete in history to be named Player of the Year in football and basketball. In 2012, he was a member of the NBA champion Miami Heat. But not all high schools are created equal, and most of them are lucky to have a single player make it to the NBA. By Joe Henricksen Feb 2, 2021, 8:07am PDT The winningest high school basketball programs of the decade: No. High school: CorlissCollege: ArkansasCareer highlights: 1993 NBAChampion, 1984 NBA All-Rookie team In three years at Arkansas, Walker averaged nearly 15 points per game beforethe New York Knicks made him the No. His family was from New Orleans; his father, a cigar maker. 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. Call it a generational version of Beatle-mania. 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." CLASS 1A FIRST TEAM NAME, SCHOOL (HT., YR., POS.) He played 12 years in the NBA and was voted to the 1984 NBA All-Star Game. Before building Chicago's premier . 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. Those guys have been on varsity for years now. At Illinois, Liberty wasa key member of the Flyin Illini Final Four team in 1988-89. He left Duke early and was the No. (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. There were no unanimous selections (players named on every ballot). The LAClippers selected Hawkins sixth overall in the 1988 NBA Draft, but his rightswere immediately traded to the 76ers. Deon Thomas, 6-9, C, 1989. He plans on retiring after this upcoming high school season and I had the chance to speak with him regarding that, history of the program, Chicago basketball, and more. The vigil was held at the Benjamin E. Mayo and Elmer L. Fowler Historic Gallery in Chicago. Calvin Brock (born in 1986) is an American professional basketball player from Chicago, Illinois. ESPN's award-winning documentary series. Let the "old-school versus modern-times" debate rage on.<\/p>\n

Could Thornridge make the transition to today's fast-paced style? By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our.