Remembering Ben Wilson: The 1984-85 Street & Smith’s Preseason Prep Profile Legend
In the annals of high school basketball, few names resonate with the same combination of talent, promise, and tragedy as Ben Wilson. A rising superstar from Chicago’s Simeon Career Academy, Wilson was not just a local phenom—he was a national treasure in the making. The 1984-85 Street & Smith’s Preseason Prep Profiles recognized him as the No. 1 high school basketball player in the nation, and rightfully so. Wilson’s combination of size, skill, and poise made him a once-in-a-generation player whose life and legacy still echo through basketball circles today.
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A STAR IN THE MAKING
Standing at 6-foot-8 with guard-like skills, Ben Wilson had just come off a stellar junior season where he led Simeon to the Illinois Class AA State Championship. Averaging over 20 points and 8 rebounds per game, he captivated scouts and fans alike with his smooth shot, high basketball IQ, and unmatched versatility. Wilson had already drawn comparisons to NBA legends like Magic Johnson, not just for his play but for his composure and leadership on and off the court.
It was no surprise when Street & Smith’s, the prestigious basketball magazine known for profiling future legends, named Wilson to its 1984-85 Preseason All-America team. Touted as the best prep player in the country, Wilson stood above a group that included future NBA stars. College programs were lining up, with Illinois, DePaul, and Indiana among the frontrunners. He was expected to be the next Chicago native to make it big on the national stage.
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BEYOND THE COURT
Wilson was more than just a basketball player. To his coaches and teammates, he was a humble, hardworking, and disciplined young man who believed in family, education, and using his talent to uplift others. Nicknamed “Benji,” he carried the pride of his community every time he laced up his sneakers.
His rise symbolized hope for countless young people growing up on Chicago’s South Side. He represented the idea that greatness could come from anywhere—and that with determination and the right support, the sky was truly the limit.
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A LIFE CUT SHORT
Tragically, just as his senior season was about to begin, Ben Wilson’s life was cut short. On November 20, 1984, Wilson was shot near Simeon High School after a confrontation with another teen. He died the following day, sending shockwaves across the nation. His death came only days before what should have been the start of a magical senior campaign—one that was already being chronicled by Street & Smith’s and major media outlets.
The basketball world mourned deeply. Wilson’s death became one of the most high-profile tragedies in prep sports history, sparking conversations about youth violence, safety in urban communities, and the value of mentorship for at-risk youth.
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LEGACY THAT LIVES ON
Despite his short life, Ben Wilson’s legacy remains immortal:
Simeon Career Academy retired his jersey number 25, and subsequent players—most notably Derrick Rose and Jabari Parker—have honored him in their careers.
His story was later told in ESPN’s acclaimed 30 for 30 documentary “Benji,” introducing his legacy to a new generation.
The Street & Smith’s Preseason Profile from 1984-85 stands as a poignant reminder of what could have been: a future NBA All-Star, a college basketball icon, a Chicago hero.
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FINAL WORD
The 1984-85 Street & Smith’s Preseason Prep Profile wasn’t just recognizing a basketball player—it was spotlighting a young man on the cusp of greatness. Ben Wilson’s name appeared alongside the best in the country, not just because of his talent, but because of his potential to inspire and lead.
More than 40 years later, we still remember Benji. Not just as a lost legend, but as a symbol of how fragile life is—and how powerful dreams can be. In the pages of that magazine and in the hearts of many, Ben Wilson remains forever
