Ben Wilson (basketball)

Benjamin "Benji" Wilson (May 18, 1967 – November 21, 1984) was an American high school basketball player from Chicago, Illinois. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest high school basketball players in Illinois history and was a consensus number one ranked player nationally in his senior year at Simeon Career Academy.

Wilson led Simeon to its first state basketball championship in 1984. He was known for his exceptional all-around game, combining scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and defensive skills. He wore jersey number 25.

Tragically, Wilson was shot and killed on November 20, 1984, the day before the start of his senior season, after an altercation near his high school. His death shocked the city of Chicago and the basketball world.

Wilson's legacy extends beyond his on-court talent. His story has become a symbol of the violence that plagued Chicago in the 1980s and a reminder of the potential lost to senseless acts of violence. Several documentaries and books have chronicled his life and death, ensuring his name and story continue to resonate. He is frequently cited as a symbol of unrealized potential and a what-if scenario in basketball history. His jersey number 25 has been retired by Simeon Career Academy.