simeon high school basketball alumni

6 ranking in the Tribune Top 20 and ended with a 53-47 victory over No. Watch on ESPN+. Win a second straight state title."<\/p>\n

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." The meeting was over. Organized w/the Simeon High School athletic fan in mind. Big night for UA Elite 24 alumni. 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. 11 overall pick by the Orlando Magic (the first pick in that franchise's history) in 1989. ESPN's award-winning documentary series. For example, Lynn researched how the issue of racial integration was overcome when black students were enrolled at the previously all-white school. He was a founder and commissioner of the ABA, andhelped bring the NBA back to Minnesota when the Timberwolves franchise wasborn. Like I tell people, the difference between us, is that we can play any style of basketball. In 2016, Nunn was dismissed from the Illinois basketball team for pleading guilty to misdemeanor domestic battery. With Anderson ineligible until the second semester, David Knight emerged as the leader. I play to win. 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: He died Nov. 21, 1984, a day after he was shot near Simeon High School. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. Simeon coach Robert Smith, who led Derrick Rose and Jabari Parker to Illinois state titles, retiring after next season. The Hoosiers advanced to the Final Four in his freshmanyear, losing to UCLA, before posting back-to-back undefeated regular seasons. He wrote his book on Thornridge while undergoing chemotherapy during the summer of 2009.<\/p>\n

"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.<\/p>\n

Though his Lincoln team never had an opportunity to play against Thornridge in 1971-72, Lynn was always fascinated by the aura of coach Ron Ferguson's team and its dominant players--Quinn Buckner, Boyd Batts, Mike Bonczyk, Greg Rose and Ernie Dunn.<\/p>\n

Buckner was the national player of the year in 1972 and was recruited by John Wooden of UCLA and Bob Knight of Indiana. The schools career scoring leader before Thomas came along, he still stands seventh. The Rubin twins had transferred in and they had a really great season for us. 12 overall pick in the 1983 NBADraft. The mission was clear: 33-0. Welcome! 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. It is all about the school and winning than it is about self. Brian Cook, '06 AHS, 2000-03 Lincoln, Ill., native is fourth on the school's career scoring chart. POINTS Ty Pence, St. Joseph-Ogden (6-6, Sr., G/F) 120 Cole Certa, Bloomington Central Catholic (6-4, Jr., G) 116 Gianni Cobb, Chicago Perspectives-Leadership (6-0, Jr., PG) 59 Dylan Bazzell, Fairbury Prairie Central (6-4, Sr., G/F) 58 Grady Thompson, Princeton (6-4, Sr., G) 58, SECOND TEAM NAME, SCHOOL (HT., YR., POS.) Ben Wilson was the nation's top-rated prep basketball player when he was slain near Simeon High School. Vernon (5-11, Jr., PG) 6; Craig Niko Newsome, Bloomington (6-5, Jr., F/G) 6; x-Tyler Swanson, Metamora 6. 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. I really think we have a really good shot at it here in Illinois and I do believe we will be one of the best teams in the country. Coach Smith answered. Feb 15, 2013 at 6:24 pm. "When I play the game, I don't think about anyone in the stands or anything like that. Simeon High School . Share your memories by posting photos or stories, or find out about your next class reunion! Sweet shooter, who beat Magic Johnson and Michigan State in 1979, spent 17 years in the NBA. He was captain of Lincoln's 1971-72 team that was rated behind Thornridge for much of the regular season. I'm still carrying the legacy myself so that's huge for me," Kendrick Nunn said of Wilson. CHICAGO -- For Melvin Nunn, Thursday was a reminder of one of the toughest days of his life: Nov. 21, 1984. "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. And that team was the same way. Submit a Class Note, suggest story ideas, update your mailing address or write a letter to the editor of Illinois Alumni magazine. Buckner, whose mother was a teacher in the district and whose sister later became superintendent of the district, and Batts were among the first African-Americans to attend the Dolton school. 1 team in the nation. Urbana, IL 61801 1 prep player in the nation in 1984, the first from Illinois to earn that ranking. No. Ben Wilson's father, Ben Wilson Sr., talks to the media during the murder trial in his son's slaying on Oct. 9, 1985, at the Criminal Court Building in Chicago. He played one season at Oakland university before signing with the Golden State Warriors in July 2018. For a basketball city that continues to endure a dark cloud decades later behind one of its greatest players never reaching his full potential, seeing Nunn in action was able to bring a bright spot. He holds 26th spot on Illini points list. Had a long NBA career, playing in the Finals three times. It is an honor to just put that Simeon jersey on. Coach Smith continued to answer when asking about the culture over the years. It was eliminated by Collins 67-58 in the Public League quarterfinals. Ben Wilson was the nation's top-rated prep basketball player when he was slain near Simeon High School. The Wolverines extended their Red South winning streak to 46 before a loss to South Shore on Feb. 18. Ben Wilson with Simeon coach Bob Hambric (left) in November of 1984. He represented Philadelphia in the 1991All-Star Game. St. Ignatius senior Richard Baron (23) takes the ball to the basket and scores a key basket in the second overtime of the Wolfpack's Supersectional . Simeon High School basketball player Ben Wilson on Nov. 13, 1984. The New OrleansHornets made him the number one overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. St. Jospeh H.S., Westchester - Basketball powerhouse of Hoop Dreams fame, closed in 2021. On April15, 2010, Wardle was named the head mens basketball coach at the University ofWisconsin-Green Bay. He was a member of the 2009 and 2010NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers. High school: Proviso East College: University of Illinois Career highlights: 2005 Big Ten Player of the Year Brown was named Mr. Basketball in Illinois and won the Gatorade Player of theYear award in 2002. Afteran exceptional career at Fresno State, he was selected by the LA Clippers withthe twelfth overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. And business was good," said former Chicago Bulls announcer Jim Durham.<\/p>\n

But Thornridge was more than Buckner. And it features 6-8 junior Jabari Parker, whose youthful celebrity is comparable to LeBron James and Derrick Rose. CLASS 3A FIRST TEAM NAME, SCHOOL (HT., YR., POS.) 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 High school basketball: Simeon's expanding NBA legacy - Chicago Sun-Times High School Basketball Sports High School Sports Simeon's expanding NBA legacy Wolverines coach Robert Smith has four players in the NBA and a fifth battling for a roster spot. Wilson was affectionately known as Benji. (Michael Blackshire / Chicago Tribune), Ben Wilson of Simeon High School was considered the No. During his playing career, Rivers was an All-Starin 1988 and finished in the top five in the league in assists twice. A lot of people in town call us the Duke of Illinois, cause we have a family like atmosphere. In 1996, Walker led UK to the NCAAChampionship before turning pro. Last updated on November 1, 2017 by Tab Bamford. Hewas a member of the 1983 NBA Champion Philadelphia 76ers. Diminutive guard Gerry Smith was the leader. 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 53-year-old says he knew Wilson and Melvin Nunn in high school but was even more proud to see Kendrick Nunn succeed. POINTS Macaleab Rich, East St. Louis (6-7, Sr., G/F) 94 Deandre Craig, Chicago Mount Carmel (6-1, Sr., G) 89 Jalen Griffith, Chicago Simeon (5-10, Sr., PG) 82 Ethan Kizer, Metamora (6-6, Sr., G) 77 Richard Barron, Chicago St. Ignatius (6-5, Sr., G) 76, SECOND TEAM NAME, SCHOOL (HT., YR., POS.) 11 pick by the Magic in 1989. Wilson died after being shot near the school. Wilson was listed in critical condition. 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. He played in two NBAFinals with the Utah Jazz (losing both times to Michael Jordans Bulls), andthe Jazz retired his number as well. It was Simeon's first loss to a Public League team in 69 games. He was the second overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. (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. The vigil was held at the Benjamin E. Mayo and Elmer L. Fowler Historic Gallery in Chicago. He was selectedwith the fourth overall pick by his hometown Chicago Bulls in the 2001 NBADraft. The team had a 71-game winning streak. Like fellow Chicago Simeon alumni Derrick Rose of the Detroit Pistons, the undrafted Heat rookie Nunn continues to wear No. Win the regional. In November 1984, the 6-foot-8 Wilson was on top of the prep basketball world, as "Benji" captures in gripping detail. 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. . Chicago Simeon High School product starred for the Flyin Illini, averaging 18 points his junior season. Though his Lincoln team never had an opportunity to play against Thornridge in 1971-72, Lynn was always fascinated by the aura of coach Ron Ferguson's team and its dominant players--Quinn Buckner, Boyd Batts, Mike Bonczyk, Greg Rose and Ernie Dunn. For example, Lynn researched how the issue of racial integration was overcome when black students were enrolled at the previously all-white school. His family was from New Orleans; his father, a cigar maker. Famous alumni include Derrick Rose, Kendrick Nunn, Jabari Parker, Bobby Simmons, Talen Horton-Tucker, and others. A force on the glass, his 11.3 rebounds-per-game is a school record. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. In the 1970s, Illinois schools were restricted by travel limitations. 8147 South Vincennes Avenue Chicago, IL 60620 . High school: Du Sable College: West Texas A&M Career highlights: 4x NBA All-Star, 1983 NBA ChampionCheeks was one of the premier point guards in the NBA in the 1980s, named tothe NBA All-Defensive First Team four times and played in four NBA All-Star. Now Chicago basketball, for those who do not know, has been known for decades when it comes to basketball. He was the sixth overall pick in the 1996Draft by the Boston Celtics, with whom he played for seven years and appearedin three NBA All-Star Games. On 2/17, the Simeon varsity basketball team lost their away playoff game against Kenwood (Chicago, IL) by a score of 105-34 . The 2012 ESPN 30 for 30 documentary titled "Benji" introduced Wilson's story to a new generation of Chicago ballers, such as Nunn, who ultimately took it and ran with it. gym. 25 in Wilson's honor. On October 23, ESPN continued its series of documentaries, the critically acclaimed "30 For 30" series, with a story named "Benji" that broke a broken city's heart. His 19,202 career points still rankamong the top-50 totals in NBA history. Our guard play was second to none, they were really really good. "It was normal to me," Nunn said. Mount Carmel H.S., Chicago - Alumni Gym; New Trier H.S. Sitting courtside in a No. Simeon basketball star Ben Wilson, right, with his coach, Bob Hambric, at Simeon in 1984. 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. At Illinois, he was named an All-American twice and led theFighting Illini to the 2005 NCAA Championship Game. -- NOTE: Also receiving a single vote (thus not receiving honorable mention): Gannon Dodd, New Berlin; Brock Fearday, Effingham St. Anthony; Malachi Persinger, Peoria Christian; Myles Pryor, Centralia Christ Our Rock Lutheran. We still have to get on the court and play the games. Aviyon Morris and Jaylen Drane have been on varsity since they were freshmen. He was the leader of Detroits back-to-back NBA championship teams in 1989 and 1990 and was named the FinalsMVP in 1990. He played one year of football at Indiana before quitting to concentrate on basketball. Simeon High School basketball star Ben Wilson on Nov. 13, 1984. 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. He also ranks in the Top 10 in rebounds and blocked shots. By Joe Henricksen May 12, 2022, 3:51pm PDT Pocket Flipboard 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. I asked Robert Smith to just talk about Chicago basketball as a whole. Get Directions. 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. On Friday, 35 years later, Melvin's son Kendrick Nunn would make his hometown debut against the Chicago Bulls. In 2012, he was a member of the NBA champion Miami Heat. 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: 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. pic.twitter.com/mB3fP6rCBy. Our seniors really stepped up and our juniors. After playing basketball and graduating from Southern Illinois in 1976, he set out on a career in radioTV broadcasting. He had two sisters and three brothers; Lillian, Ethel, Omer, Albert and Leo. 13 overall selection in the1999 NBA Draft. Simeon was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 30, 1916 and was of Creole descent. PG Sr. 5' 10" 160 lbs. 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. And business was good," said former Chicago Bulls announcer Jim Durham. "He was hilarious," said Carlil Pittman, Good Kids Mad City. The Bob Hambric era begins in 1980 with the mid-season firing of Lamont Bryant. Griffith scored a team-high 15 points for Simeon, which shot 40 percent (18-for-45) from the field and was outrebounded, 35-21. Named All-American and won three national awards. (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. The Throne National Championship Field of Teams Announced. During Thanksgiving week in 1984, Simeon High School basketball star Ben Wilson was shot twice on his lunch hour after a chance encounter, in a slaying that shocked his family, his classmates and . Players received five points for a first-team vote and three points for a second-team vote. Mikan was so dominant thatthe NBA had to make rules changes because of him, including a wider lane andintroducing a shot clock. A lot of people underestimated us. Athletic alums organizing others to support student-athletes within and beyond Simeon's walls. He led Tilden to the 1950 Chicago Pubic League championship, helped theFighting Illini advance to the Final Four in 1952, and, in his rookie season,won an NBA championship with the Syracuse Nationals in 1955. Melvin was a sophomore teammate of Wilson's as he entered his senior year ranked as the nation's No. 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. St. Ignatius, Chicago - 3rd Floor gym, not used for varsity. He was named first-team All Conference USA in 2001. By Joe Henricksen. Future streetball legend Carl Harris spent most of the season in Hambric's doghouse. (Ed Wagner, Jr. / Chicago Tribune), Simeon High School basketball star Ben Wilson on Nov. 13, 1984. 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. He was a key member of the Bad Boy back-to-back NBAchampion Detroit Pistons in 1989 and 1990. Win the regional. They have the talent once again, and as always, will play an elite national schedule over the course of the season. In 2009, Kerr received the Naismith MemorialBasketball Hall of Fames John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award. During his NBA career, Hornacek played in the 1992 NBAAll-Star Game and won the three-point contest twice. Afterthree seasons with Michigan State, Brown was selected in the first round of the2006 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. High school: Carver College: DePaul Career highlights: 2x NBA All-Star, 1983 NBA Rookie of the Year. But he made his mark with defense and passing. Simeon supporters argue, justifiably, that Thornridge didn't play the challenging national schedule that awaits the Wolverines. Jabari Parker and Derrick Rose face off tonight in Chicago, where they both attended Simeon Career Academy. He played 12 seasons in the NBA,winning an NBA championship in 1970 and playing in the 1972 All-Star 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.<\/p>\n

In one national poll of the top 25 high school teams of all time, Thornridge 1972 was rated No. All media members covering high school basketball in the state were eligible to nominate and vote for players. 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.) Steve Turner, a 6-foot-10 forward, is turning out how we thought he would be as a freshman and he starting to get that capability to do some stuff. Mr. Simeon married Helen and to this union was born daughter Sharon A. Simeon. 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. 2023 Choose Chicago. Three-time team MVP had a long pro career overseas before returning to the U.S. to coach. 25 retro Wilson high school jersey was David Moore, Chicago 17th Ward Alderman who is also a member of the Simeon class of 1984. Wilson was affectionately known as Benji.. In one national poll of the top 25 high school teams of all time, Thornridge 1972 was rated No.

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