This story haunts me. Ever since I saw the 30 for 30 doc on Ben Wilson's life I just can't get him out of my mind. I wonder what he would have accomplished had he lived.
Mashella Humphrey My sentiment exactly. Although I hurt for his family I understand the pain of those students as well. I know their pain and I know it took years for them to heal from it.
In the 1990s, I was in a supermarket in Columbus, Mississippi and I met his mother, who told me this was her hometown. Ironically that supermarket had a paperback book they were selling called ``Benji'' which detailed his life. Very nice lady.
I was a freshman at Simeon wen this happened and to this day I never forgotten it's still on my mind till this day would have been the best basketball player ever
When OUR people learn to STOP killing EACH other, then we will have a better mind-set...if yo can't resolve matters, WALK AWAY!! GO!! KILLING or taking another life is NOT YOUR RIGHT! GOD brought LIFE into this world, and HE is the ONLY one with a right!
MESSAGE TO EVERYONE: Whenever you are confronted with an aggressive person please just let it go and walk away. Forgive if someone disrespects you. The only time you should react back at someone hating you is when you need to defend yourself to protect your life. But, most confrontations are just verbal. Those... just let them go and don't feel dissed or feel humiliated by anyone. Remember to have inner balance and not want things outside you to be balance because it rarely is. RIP Ben Wilson.
I try to see things from the perspective of the person that's upset when faced with a confrontation and try to reason with them. If I'm unsuccessful I just let it be and walk away. They can say the nastiest things but it won't engage me into reacting in a way that could escalate things.
Brian Pruett your fucking dumb you should watch the video not just read the comments Derrick wore the jersey cuz he team gave it to him while he played high school and he chose to wear it in New York cuz of Chicago dumb ass
@LaTonia Thedford His mother retired from nursing, received millions, traveled around the country speaking against violence. She moved to Mississippi some time ago, she has passed. RIP to her and her son. Not sure about his Dad. I lived in Chicago and was 13 at the time, went to his service at operation push. I still have all of the documentation from that time. I disliked his murderer bc he was a jealous, arrogance, pompus, asshole. He is released from jail, still very arrogant living his best life. He works with at risk young men. He wasn't broke, grandparents took care of gis family well.As a matter of fact he said his grandfather, a well known blues sing musician,told him never pull a gun out and don't shoot. Once he pulled the gun out,the bastard shot BENJI. I KNEW BENJI 'S FAMILY, his Pops owned a candy store. Beautiful family.
@@troizkatzenberg7308 -I never ever really seemed to like Beji's killer as well. And he seemed in denial about Killing Benji because of his word-play. It was something that just never ever set right with me about him. I would say all of this even though he changed his life around for thee better. But I never knew his personality or back-story too well, so thanks for thee fill in on him okay.
I went to school with Ben and wow I missed this story and he was truly before his time. He would have been the NBA MVP for sure... RIP MY BROTHER AND YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
The pain you see in Nick Anderson seems like the tragic event had occurred more recently than 25 years prior. Your can tell there was real love and respect for Benji in his heart. He got me in tears literally, and I'd never heard of Benji until now. May he forever reside in Heaven. 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
@@gabeeskridge8291 I played forward at Lewis University and transferred to Dillard University in New Orleans. I played summer league on a team with Ben Wilson. I was at basketball camp with Nick Anderson
We were there! Ben meant so much to us: We came to both and it was so hard. A killing in our age group to experience. He left a son behind. It was truly hard for us.
My English teacher played this video for my class to watch at the end of my senior year in May2015 for a project but we never got the chance to finish watching it in class so I'm finally finishing watching the rest of benjis documentary at home!!! Amazing and sad story taken so young. Didnt even get to finish high school and start life 💓💓💓
Brandy Sisco Don’t have to know them to find talent in their highlights. Benji High school highlights damn near matched Jordan’s College highlights. Due to the events that went on... We can only visualize how great he would have been if he lived for it. The man had Game
This happens all the time. People that got nothing going on for themselves envy you and kill you because of it. They knew exactly who he was, knew his potential and how far he’d go with his talents, and tried to stop his light by taking his life, but he was and still is unforgettable. A legend to so many on and off the courts. No one can ever deny that. It’s so sad that they took his life. RIP Benji.
@@AlexJones-zc4qf : Billy Moore and his boy tried to rob Benji. Don’t believe what Billy Moore told you in his interview. It was a robbery attempt!!! Btw, do you see how popular he was? I know people who went to school at Simeon, and I watched Benji n summer league. No one ever said anything bad about Benji, and if he had a bad attitude it certainly would have gotten around. He was more revered in Chicago than Jordan was. I’m as serious as a heart attack!
I was very young when this happened, but it seemed so shocking, so senseless, so sad. Now, all these years later, it's still one of the saddest stories I ever heard.
This kid definitely would've made it to the NBA. He was the number one prospect in the nation out of high school. There's no guarantee he would've been a superstar, but his game reminds me of a Reggie Miller, with a little more of an inside game. Too bad he never got the chance :( RIP Benji
How do you know he would have made it? You can go back thru the years and see a lot of high school superstars who didn't come close to the success they had in high school, especially in the city of Chicago. In fact, the NBA never came for them. Ronnie Fields, Raymond McCoy, Teddy Grubbs, Skip Dillard, Sean Dockery, Rashard Griffith just to name a few. You can go across the country and say the names Antoine Joubert, Jaron Rush, Korleone Young, Jaron Ward, Malik Newman, Robert Vaden, Deon Thomas, Start House just to name a few.
The only similarities between Reggie Miller and Benji were their physiques and a in tone. Their games were absolutely nothing alike. Reggie Miller was a pure shooter who didn’t get to the hole a lot, and his movements were choppy. Benji was. As smooth as a Cadillac and much more versatile…no weakness in his game whatsoever. There were people who thought he could be another Jordan or Magic. Style-wise, he was more like a blend of Bernard King (uncanny scorer), George Gervin (silky smooth), Kevin Garnett (could score in traffic), Kobe Bryant (athleticism), Alex English (consistency), and Earl the Pearl Monroe (creativity). Reggie Miller was one of the greatest shooters ever, but Benji was on a completely different level. He was on the Magic, Jordan, Len Bias, Kobe Bryant level.
@@arilovett.9791 : You’re correct, but you’re taking these proclamations too literally. While no one is guaranteed to make it, Benji was as sure if a vet as you could have ever had. If he had come out of high school over the last decade he would have skipped college to play a year in Europe, returned for the draft a year later and been the #1 pick easily. Ben Simmons was a lot like Benji, ironically. Do you remember the hype surrounding him? And people like Magic and Jordan were mentoring the kid. You have Tim Hardaway, an NBA Hall-of-Famer, plus Nick Anderson, Kendall Gill, and others telling you that no other elite Chicago player came close to Benji. Barring conviction and prison, a serious injury/illness, or the senseless murder that took place, he was headed straight for the league.
@@miri9885 -I see you many valid points, especially as far as their final life outcome is concerned. But their talent levels and media-hype mirrored each other immensely.
@@josweez "And" We never had the opportunity to see them reach the greatness they could have attained had their lives not been cut short due to drugs and violence which sadly is a common theme in our inner cities.
Watching the effect his death still has on those who loved and lost him is heart wrenching. There's always that sad "what if" may this beautiful, talented soul rest in love and peace. #purposeserved
I watched Benin play in the IHSA championship and the in Prairie State Games. Benji was POETRY IN MOTION! Simeon was a BEAST in the 80’s. I still remember the day when the cowards took Benji’s life. It’s was a sad day in ILLINOIS. We felt the loss in Southern Illinois🥲🙏🏾
Len Bias & Benji Willson WOW what a Combination. Len I watched U TV & was a Huge fan.. Ben I can Remember MY older brother & Cousin talking about U & we live in Altoona PA. God Bless both of U
I fondly remember Ben Wilson when I was in high school in the mid 1980s. He had great talent and promise to be an NBA All Star. His death shocked the Greater Chicagoland area. It was a sad day right before Thanksgiving 1984. Just a horrible day. Chicago crime violence killed this young mans dream. I remember the shooting like it was yesterday. Horrible loss. His memory be eternal.
Great documentary! I grew up in the Chicago southwest suburbs and was in HS at the time. My HS had one of the top 5 players in the state at the time and he took it hard.
What an amazing tribute of a life taken too soo. Benji, you will always be remembered in our hearts and soul. You’re in heaven playing basketball through the pearly gates and smiling on upon all who lives you’ve impacted. Resting in the loving arms of God the father and Jesus Christ our Savior.
THIS STORY KEEPS ME N MY FEELINGS(wasn't a story that I knw until ESPN). I felt emotionally connected, hurtin like I knew him!! His story will nevr leave me,this coulda been my man, my hood, during my times. His Mom was a Strong Sista!! Flowers 4him/family🏀💐🌷💐
I remember reading Nick Anderson's story in a book. I became curious on Benji and when I watched the 30 for 30 about him, his story is so amazing. I wish his life didn't end on a tragic way.
I remember reading about his playing at UMBC. I didn’t know he passed away. He must have just died in 2018 or 2019. Think about how that affected his uncles. He was their last living connection to Benji. His mother Jetaun must be numb at this point. R.I.P.
Ben story especially for those in chicago area feels the same for me when talking about Len Bias, two great basketball players lives cut short… 1984 and 1986…
I verified his hospital benefits when Ben Wilson was brought into the emergency at St. Bernard Hospital. I saw him in the hospital hallway by human resources bleed to death. Very traumatic.
Peace. That's unfortunate you had to experience that. I can relay to you from firsthand experience, that Ben was a really special person. This event will be remembered forever.
I was 8, 9, in 1984.......I admire journeys of ATHLETES BECOMING PRO.....TEAR🎊🎈🎉👀💦FUL_JOY' BLISS' REST N' PARADISE 🌊🏝️🏖️🏀✨✨✨🕊️BEN "BENji" 25WILSON__SIMEON HS🏀🎉🎈🎊💙💛!!!
One of the saddest things to happen in Chicago. EVER. I remember watching Simeon win the State Championship, Ben's junior year. Was so looking forward to watching him as a senior. What a tragedy. We can only imagine what he would have done, had this shooting never happened.
@Charles Crump the reason why Jetun is not speaking out is guilt. She played a major role in his downfall and it is Ben's direct association with her that ultimately led to his downfall and untimely death. I feel more anger towards her then the boy who actually killed Ben.
Yes it's time she speak, took his son from Ben mother declined interview after interview, tell us what happened if the shooter story is true, to bring closure and a learning lesson I stayed in Peoria, Illinois and I was a freshman and I was walking to school and the whole school was crying and throwing up in the street and that's how I found out! It was Sad as fu¢k!
I remember watching a college basketball game on TV and Illinois was playing some team and I remembered one of the announcers was mentioning about how Illinois "had to have" the No. 2 player in Lowell Hamilton because Illinois was going to originally recruit Ben Wilson but after what happened, they got Lowell Hamilton, if any could you who watched that game could recall that.
I was in elementary school at the time of the shooting of Ben Wilson my older brother was hurt that he was shot he played basketball as well he always said he wanted to play against Ben at a game. My brother said in later year's that although at the time my brother was a teenager still in high school he said and regrets thinking and saying at the dinner table that he was almost greatful that he died because it gave players like him a chance to be looked at by college recruits to play basketball. My brother did get into college and became a lawyer now day my brother wishes he never said what he said about Ben he said although he was young and wanted to play pro basketball now that he is now a prosecutor in that puts guy's like Moore away in prison for crimes like what happened to Ben he said Everytime he puts a murderer in prison it's like a win for Ben and his family. I'm proud of my big brother and I'm grateful that he is still here I can't imagine what Ben's family think every year of what mite have been what Ben would have become of him self would he have played pro basketball would have been like my brother and went to law school we will never know you kill a man you take away everything he has and take away everything he will ever have theirs not turning back ones you pull the trigger of a gun your life and the life's around you Will never be the same again it all changes in the second you pull the trigger.
Well, while your brother shouldn’t have said what he said, you are right in a sense. Benin’s death impacted a lot of lives. We wish it would have stopped the gun violence but that was too much to ask. Your brother likely would have gone to college and become a lawyer anyway. Still, look at your brother’s work. That’s Benji living on through your brother. ✊🏾
Chocolate Thunder Cherry Emptiness. There’s people around with nothing in them, no soul, not a care for the world but their own selfish feelings (jealousy) and it’s just a void inside them.
I can remember the summer going into the 11the grade back in 1995 I went to basketball camp and I entered the 3point contest and I dedicated that 3point journey to u Ben Wilson.
I just got finish watching Benji, I just want to really know what was going on with him and Jetun. I wish she would have been on there and told her side of the story. Like why was she acting that way towards him now especially when a baby is involved. It's just a sad story someone with so much promise a good athlete and student. Wasn't involved in the street life or gangs, life just cut short. But the hospital was wrong for what they did, but I do remember in the 80s it did take the ambulance forever to arrive and I'm not from Chicago. It was a sad but great story about his life.
LaTonia Thedford Yea when I first watched this movie. I just wanted to know more and more. I just wished Jetun would have told her side of the story. And the guy that said......he wasn't a saint. I didn't think he was but he didn't deserve to be killed either!
Are you telling the truth? Because that's not what I read. What I read, Benji did NOT gang bang, and was often getting into fights with boys from rival schools.
Just FYI:When that guy said he had dreams that Benji came back and was able to play again...but just dreams...WELL it wasn't just dreams. He had a son named Brandon who was 10 weeks old at the time of Benji's death. Brandon went on to College, than played Pro ball for the Wizards wearing his father's #25. Than he went into working for the Washington Police Academy for 5 years. It was reported he passed away early this year in a car accident. May they both R.I.P
my pastor said the enemy can hinder the plan ..but he cant stop it my heart goes out for the wilson family and friends GOD KNOWS ALL AND SEE,S the hurt .this guy could have been a legend he could been a role model for our youth he could have been making commercials and and endorsing for big companies ..SMH...REST IN PEACE BENJI GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
I'm a Chicagoan and not a sports fan at all. I met MJ when I was a kid, my aunt played for Marshall HS and her daughter's father played with Jordan. I heard about Benji but didn't understand the story until one day "30 for 30" came on Viceland accidentally after Desus and Mero...I had no clue how much he meant. I've been obsessed ever since.
I totally believe his brother knew when Benji was shot. I had the same thing happen to me when my brother was stabbed. I had a dream that someone was stabbing me at the same time it occurred. Thank God 🙏 my brother lived. My heart goes out to this family forever.
I went to Simeon until 2003. His legacy lived on at that place even then. Everyone that enters that place knows and respects the story.
This story haunts me. Ever since I saw the 30 for 30 doc on Ben Wilson's life I just can't get him out of my mind. I wonder what he would have accomplished had he lived.
Mashella Humphrey My sentiment exactly. Although I hurt for his family I understand the pain of those students as well. I know their pain and I know it took years for them to heal from it.
B. Cleveland I
Me too ! His son looks just like him
Mashella Humphrey Girl i cried like a baby when i watched 30 for 30. I mean cried. His story needs to be told in a movie.
Same for Len bias. A lot of em could have been great.
In the 1990s, I was in a supermarket in Columbus, Mississippi and I met his mother, who told me this was her hometown.
Ironically that supermarket had a paperback book they were selling called ``Benji'' which detailed his life.
Very nice lady.
33 years later, they still talk about him. #RIP Ben Wilson
Gotta teach this new generation
The sadder fact is they still slaughter each other in Chicago in record numbers.
@@strikke323They are unteachable
40yrs later.....
Naming my son after this GOAT … his story has always had a place in my heart and I want his name to live on
Awesome. If he or she grows up to play ball they gotta rock #25.
I was a freshman at Simeon wen this happened and to this day I never forgotten it's still on my mind till this day would have been the best basketball player ever
38 YEARS AGO THIS MONTH..... He's still talked about. Continued Rest Benji
Yup. Crazy he’d be an old man now… would’ve had a long and illustrious nba career. Rip Ben Wilson
When OUR people learn to STOP killing EACH other, then we will have a better mind-set...if yo can't resolve matters, WALK AWAY!! GO!! KILLING or taking another life is NOT YOUR RIGHT! GOD brought LIFE into this world, and HE is the ONLY one with a right!
People will never learn. Violence will never go away. People can't even get into fist fights now without a gun.
It will happen until the end of time!
Well said.
MESSAGE TO EVERYONE: Whenever you are confronted with an aggressive person please just let it go and walk away. Forgive if someone disrespects you. The only time you should react back at someone hating you is when you need to defend yourself to protect your life. But, most confrontations are just verbal. Those... just let them go and don't feel dissed or feel humiliated by anyone. Remember to have inner balance and not want things outside you to be balance because it rarely is. RIP Ben Wilson.
Looking back I'm happy I had this mindset in highschool. I don't think I would be where I am today if I reacted every time someone confronted me.
@@markmerittjr Me too! 🙏🏾💯
Amen to that my brother 🙏🏾✊🏾💯 FOREVERTRU
Also, don't go messing, where you shouldn't be messing.
I try to see things from the perspective of the person that's upset when faced with a confrontation and try to reason with them. If I'm unsuccessful I just let it be and walk away. They can say the nastiest things but it won't engage me into reacting in a way that could escalate things.
derrick rose is honoring benji by wearing his jersey number in new york. bringing a piece of chicago with him.
amen brotha
On the real, he taking apart of Chicago with him
Blake Haun Derick Rose Ha!!!!!!!?????? BLM , matters to everyone but Blacks!!!
Brian Pruett your fucking dumb you should watch the video not just read the comments Derrick wore the jersey cuz he team gave it to him while he played high school and he chose to wear it in New York cuz of Chicago dumb ass
Keep it all way 💯
I went to his memorial, And visited his mother at her house, So sad RIP Ben we will never forget you
@LaTonia Thedford His mother retired from nursing, received millions, traveled around the country speaking against violence. She moved to Mississippi some time ago, she has passed. RIP to her and her son. Not sure about his Dad. I lived in Chicago and was 13 at the time, went to his service at operation push. I still have all of the documentation from that time. I disliked his murderer bc he was a jealous, arrogance, pompus, asshole. He is released from jail, still very arrogant living his best life. He works with at risk young men. He wasn't broke, grandparents took care of gis family well.As a matter of fact he said his grandfather, a well known blues sing musician,told him never pull a gun out and don't shoot. Once he pulled the gun out,the bastard shot BENJI. I KNEW BENJI 'S FAMILY, his Pops owned a candy store. Beautiful family.
@@troizkatzenberg7308 -I never ever really seemed to like Beji's killer as well. And he seemed in denial about Killing Benji because of his word-play. It was something that just never ever set right with me about him. I would say all of this even though he changed his life around for thee better. But I never knew his personality or back-story too well, so thanks for thee fill in on him okay.
How many people where at his funeral and was the mother as strong she apperad
I went to school with Ben and wow I missed this story and he was truly before his time. He would have been the NBA MVP for sure... RIP MY BROTHER AND YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
The pain you see in Nick Anderson seems like the tragic event had occurred more recently than 25 years prior. Your can tell there was real love and respect for Benji in his heart. He got me in tears literally, and I'd never heard of Benji until now. May he forever reside in Heaven. 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
They were like brothers.
I balled with Ben
@@burniejohnson7414Alright , which program? Are you a guard or forward?
@@gabeeskridge8291 I played forward at Lewis University and transferred to Dillard University in New Orleans. I played summer league on a team with Ben Wilson. I was at basketball camp with Nick Anderson
Rest in power Benji
To the favorite cousin of mine I thank u for ur guidance all these years after ur death and through my years of playing highschool basketball.
I still think about this all the time.. rip Benji
RIP Ben. This story is so heartbreaking.
We were there! Ben meant so much to us: We came to both and it was so hard. A killing in our age group to experience. He left a son behind. It was truly hard for us.
His son recently passed huh? 2022?
@@ebonytauriac511 yes unfortunately
This story is heart breaking R.I.P BEN WILSON😢😪😪
I always think about him and if he would've lived what kinda player he would've been... Unforgettable Ben Wilson💙
My English teacher played this video for my class to watch at the end of my senior year in May2015 for a project but we never got the chance to finish watching it in class so I'm finally finishing watching the rest of benjis documentary at home!!! Amazing and sad story taken so young. Didnt even get to finish high school and start life 💓💓💓
I hope Benji will be an example forever because his life meant a lot to dozens and dozens of people.
I’m not even from Chicago and this kinda hurt . This is happen to too many young brothers back then and even now . RIP to Ben Wilson .
How sad. I was 6 years old in 1984. My heart goes out to his family. I'm glad there keeping his leagcy aluve
if he wouldnt of died and him and MJ teamed up on the bulls. Guaranteed 10 or more NBA Championships
Derrick Smith naw if len bias and reggie were their
No. His attitude would have ruined the chemistry.
Why? U say that...did u know him
Wonder what # he'd get picked in the draft
Brandy Sisco Don’t have to know them to find talent in their highlights. Benji High school highlights damn near matched Jordan’s College highlights. Due to the events that went on... We can only visualize how great he would have been if he lived for it. The man had Game
This happens all the time. People that got nothing going on for themselves envy you and kill you because of it. They knew exactly who he was, knew his potential and how far he’d go with his talents, and tried to stop his light by taking his life, but he was and still is unforgettable. A legend to so many on and off the courts. No one can ever deny that. It’s so sad that they took his life. RIP Benji.
That's not what happened.
Benji had a bad attitude too tho bro. Not to mention he was having an argument with his girl the day he was shot. It was just a bad situation
Did you see Billy Moore in the documentary…lying his a$$ off?! The dude is a loser!
@@AlexJones-zc4qf : Billy Moore and his boy tried to rob Benji. Don’t believe what Billy Moore told you in his interview. It was a robbery attempt!!!
Btw, do you see how popular he was? I know people who went to school at Simeon, and I watched Benji n summer league. No one ever said anything bad about Benji, and if he had a bad attitude it certainly would have gotten around. He was more revered in Chicago than Jordan was. I’m as serious as a heart attack!
Not what happened Ben's arrogance and attitude did it to him
I watched this over and over and every time I'm wishing for different outcome
I was very young when this happened, but it seemed so shocking, so senseless, so sad. Now, all these years later, it's still one of the saddest stories I ever heard.
This kid definitely would've made it to the NBA. He was the number one prospect in the nation out of high school. There's no guarantee he would've been a superstar, but his game reminds me of a Reggie Miller, with a little more of an inside game. Too bad he never got the chance :(
RIP Benji
How do you know he would have made it?
You can go back thru the years and see a lot of high school superstars who didn't come close to the success they had in high school, especially in the city of Chicago.
In fact, the NBA never came for them.
Ronnie Fields, Raymond McCoy, Teddy Grubbs, Skip Dillard, Sean Dockery, Rashard Griffith just to name a few.
You can go across the country and say the names Antoine Joubert, Jaron Rush, Korleone Young, Jaron Ward, Malik Newman, Robert Vaden, Deon Thomas, Start House just to name a few.
Reggie Miller...lol
@@arilovett.9791 did you even watch this video. . . theres only a million reasons pointing directly at him "making it"
The only similarities between Reggie Miller and Benji were their physiques and a in tone. Their games were absolutely nothing alike.
Reggie Miller was a pure shooter who didn’t get to the hole a lot, and his movements were choppy.
Benji was. As smooth as a Cadillac and much more versatile…no weakness in his game whatsoever.
There were people who thought he could be another Jordan or Magic.
Style-wise, he was more like a blend of Bernard King (uncanny scorer), George Gervin (silky smooth), Kevin Garnett (could score in traffic), Kobe Bryant (athleticism), Alex English (consistency), and Earl the Pearl Monroe (creativity).
Reggie Miller was one of the greatest shooters ever, but Benji was on a completely different level.
He was on the Magic, Jordan, Len Bias, Kobe Bryant level.
@@arilovett.9791 : You’re correct, but you’re taking these proclamations too literally. While no one is guaranteed to make it, Benji was as sure if a vet as you could have ever had. If he had come out of high school over the last decade he would have skipped college to play a year in Europe, returned for the draft a year later and been the #1 pick easily.
Ben Simmons was a lot like Benji, ironically. Do you remember the hype surrounding him?
And people like Magic and Jordan were mentoring the kid. You have Tim Hardaway, an NBA Hall-of-Famer, plus Nick Anderson, Kendall Gill, and others telling you that no other elite Chicago player came close to Benji.
Barring conviction and prison, a serious injury/illness, or the senseless murder that took place, he was headed straight for the league.
Benji Wilson was the Len Bias of Chicago.
This was the same time period. They both would have been NBA legends like MJ and Magic Johnson.
Christopher Downers, correction Len Bias died of a self inflicted drug overdose, Benji died at the hands of another... Big difference...
Mi Ri and?
@@miri9885 -I see you many valid points, especially as far as their final life outcome is concerned. But their talent levels and media-hype mirrored each other immensely.
@@alexandercoffman8319 Agreed.
@@josweez "And" We never had the opportunity to see them reach the greatness they could have attained had their lives not been cut short due to drugs and violence which sadly is a common theme in our inner cities.
Watching the effect his death still has on those who loved and lost him is heart wrenching. There's always that sad "what if" may this beautiful, talented soul rest in love and peace. #purposeserved
I went to King High School at the time! We were one of the best teams in Illinois. When Simeon was next to play, the talk was Ben Wilson!
I watched Benin play in the IHSA championship and the in Prairie State Games. Benji was POETRY IN MOTION! Simeon was a BEAST in the 80’s. I still remember the day when the cowards took Benji’s life. It’s was a sad day in ILLINOIS. We felt the loss in Southern Illinois🥲🙏🏾
Watching this as i remember Kobe...😔
if he was still here, he would’ve been insanely talented, he was so eager to succeed and he was willing to work
Len Bias & Benji Willson WOW what a Combination. Len I watched U TV & was a Huge fan.. Ben I can Remember MY older brother & Cousin talking about U & we live in Altoona PA. God Bless both of U
❤ this story because it talked about one of the greatest
High school basketball player
Who ever lived before his death!
Dr.tyrone of Chester PA
Sad thing is Chicago hasn’t changed
I fondly remember Ben Wilson when I was in high school in the mid 1980s. He had great talent and promise to be an NBA All Star. His death shocked the Greater Chicagoland area. It was a sad day right before Thanksgiving 1984. Just a horrible day. Chicago crime violence killed this young mans dream. I remember the shooting like it was yesterday. Horrible loss. His memory be eternal.
Great documentary! I grew up in the Chicago southwest suburbs and was in HS at the time. My HS had one of the top 5 players in the state at the time and he took it hard.
Rip Ben Wilson still remembered & still honored ❤️❤️
Benji is celebtated for sure!!! North Carolina celebrates Benji!! The story makes us cry!!!!
I wore 25 in high school in honor of Ben after I seen this... this documentary affected me deeply
SZN 5 GOD BLESS YOU
Ben Wilson, RIP 😢, respect ❤.
Haven't even watched the video yet and this breaks my heart already.
Damn I’m crying a river 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😭😭😭😭😭😭
A story that is timeless for every generation
😭😫😭🤘🏀🇺🇲😓
#Ballislife
This is such a travesty...it always makes me cry to watch it. May he rest peacefully
So sad😔 R.I.P Ben.
What an amazing tribute of a life taken too soo. Benji, you will always be remembered in our hearts and soul.
You’re in heaven playing basketball through the pearly gates and smiling on upon all who lives you’ve impacted. Resting in the loving arms of God the father and Jesus Christ our Savior.
THIS STORY KEEPS ME N MY FEELINGS(wasn't a story that I knw until ESPN). I felt emotionally connected, hurtin like I knew him!! His story will nevr leave me,this coulda been my man, my hood, during my times. His Mom was a Strong Sista!! Flowers 4him/family🏀💐🌷💐
I can't believe it will be 40 years since this star's life was cut short.
my name is ben wilson
Very sad man, RIP Benji..#25 means so much more to me now..shouldn't have happened..he shoulda been able to live a long fulfilling life.
I remember reading Nick Anderson's story in a book. I became curious on Benji and when I watched the 30 for 30 about him, his story is so amazing. I wish his life didn't end on a tragic way.
R.I.P. #25
Rest in peace, Benji
Ben Wilson easily would've been NBA superstar 🏀🙏
Ben's son, Brandon went on to play basketball wearing his fathers no. 25. Brandon passed away at the age of 34 in a fatal car accident.
Wow
I remember reading about his playing at UMBC. I didn’t know he passed away. He must have just died in 2018 or 2019. Think about how that affected his uncles. He was their last living connection to Benji. His mother Jetaun must be numb at this point.
R.I.P.
@@DeCurtaRican I read that he passed away January 2022. This story is so heartbreaking.
Ben story especially for those in chicago area feels the same for me when talking about Len Bias, two great basketball players lives cut short… 1984 and 1986…
I verified his hospital benefits when Ben Wilson was brought into the emergency at St. Bernard Hospital. I saw him in the hospital hallway by human resources bleed to death. Very traumatic.
Peace. That's unfortunate you had to experience that. I can relay to you from firsthand experience, that Ben was a really special person. This event will be remembered forever.
Looks like Anthony Davis before Anthony Davis
?
Anthony Davis is 6’11
Frank White he wasn’t always 6’11
He put Simeon on his back
I was 8, 9, in 1984.......I admire journeys of ATHLETES BECOMING PRO.....TEAR🎊🎈🎉👀💦FUL_JOY' BLISS' REST N' PARADISE 🌊🏝️🏖️🏀✨✨✨🕊️BEN "BENji" 25WILSON__SIMEON HS🏀🎉🎈🎊💙💛!!!
LONG LIVE #25 R.I.P. BENJI
Heartbreaking R.I.P. # 25
This is so sad that someone would be so vicious to take this kids life away. R.I.P Ben Wilson
I am so sorry for his tragic senseless loss. My heart goes out to his family!
One of the greatest basketball players to ever play. True legend. His name is up there with the greats such as Jordan, Bryant and James.
Facts.
One of the saddest things to happen in Chicago. EVER. I remember watching Simeon win the State Championship, Ben's junior year. Was so looking forward to watching him as a senior. What a tragedy. We can only imagine what he would have done, had this shooting never happened.
The way his brother described it as it just being a regular school morning , kissed his mother and little brother , then headed out the door .
i feel like we need to hear Jetuns side of things
@Charles Crump Exactly! Benji should've excused himself and then walked away though.
@Charles Crump the reason why Jetun is not speaking out is guilt. She played a major role in his downfall and it is Ben's direct association with her that ultimately led to his downfall and untimely death. I feel more anger towards her then the boy who actually killed Ben.
The bitch is a pure coward
@LaTonia Thedford we won't get her side cause she knows she played a part in costing Ben his life.
Yes it's time she speak, took his son from Ben mother declined interview after interview, tell us what happened if the shooter story is true, to bring closure and a learning lesson I stayed in Peoria, Illinois and I was a freshman and I was walking to school and the whole school was crying and throwing up in the street and that's how I found out! It was Sad as fu¢k!
They showed that incident all the way down here in Mississippi, I was In the 6th grade when that happened, this man went national, truly sad 😔
I remember watching a college basketball game on TV and Illinois was playing some team and I remembered one of the announcers was mentioning about how Illinois "had to have" the No. 2 player in Lowell Hamilton because Illinois was going to originally recruit Ben Wilson but after what happened, they got Lowell Hamilton, if any could you who watched that game could recall that.
I was in elementary school at the time of the shooting of Ben Wilson my older brother was hurt that he was shot he played basketball as well he always said he wanted to play against Ben at a game. My brother said in later year's that although at the time my brother was a teenager still in high school he said and regrets thinking and saying at the dinner table that he was almost greatful that he died because it gave players like him a chance to be looked at by college recruits to play basketball. My brother did get into college and became a lawyer now day my brother wishes he never said what he said about Ben he said although he was young and wanted to play pro basketball now that he is now a prosecutor in that puts guy's like Moore away in prison for crimes like what happened to Ben he said Everytime he puts a murderer in prison it's like a win for Ben and his family. I'm proud of my big brother and I'm grateful that he is still here I can't imagine what Ben's family think every year of what mite have been what Ben would have become of him self would he have played pro basketball would have been like my brother and went to law school we will never know you kill a man you take away everything he has and take away everything he will ever have theirs not turning back ones you pull the trigger of a gun your life and the life's around you Will never be the same again it all changes in the second you pull the trigger.
Well, while your brother shouldn’t have said what he said, you are right in a sense. Benin’s death impacted a lot of lives. We wish it would have stopped the gun violence but that was too much to ask. Your brother likely would have gone to college and become a lawyer anyway. Still, look at your brother’s work. That’s Benji living on through your brother. ✊🏾
I like that his brother said he played basketball like Bruce Lee. Great with both hands. Rest In Paradise Benji.
what a talent and great humble person gone :(
It's been 40 years. And here we are.
_just sad all around. i wonder why people make the choices they do. especially the choice to take someone's life. ♥_
Chocolate Thunder Cherry Emptiness. There’s people around with nothing in them, no soul, not a care for the world but their own selfish feelings (jealousy) and it’s just a void inside them.
But Benji should've excused himself and then walked away also. That's why you don't mess with certain people.
I grew up in"chi" never got to see him play in person" I think of him all the time🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼"BLESSING'S 'BENGI"ELmont,N.Y.
Sad his son Brandon passed away in a single car accident in January 2022. He was 34.
Damn fr ? wtf
Pure jealousy. People take this trait as a joke but it is deadly. My condolences to him and his family.
I can remember the summer going into the 11the grade back in 1995 I went to basketball camp and I entered the 3point contest and I dedicated that 3point journey to u Ben Wilson.
RIP Ben Wilson 🕊️! A hoop legend 🏀
Best BBall player to ever exist,as showed by his game films.I have in my top 25 to be great ,but never make it.🏀
I hope they make a movie about him…His story needs to be told.
He’s the Zion Williamson of back then #RIP BENGI ! God wanted you to be a angel 👼
Where you get that from ? I don't see the translation.
Why didn’t this address the hospital and first responders roles in his death?
Who is here when you want to know why Derrick Rose Knicks number is 25? RIP
Everyone knew about him before Rose mentioned him SMH
yea
+Super Saiyan Gamiing me and DRAGON BALL OHHHHHH
Peanut Butter Addict people knew about him before D rose knocks days D rose wore 25 at simeon too
I never knew that that’s cool
I just got finish watching Benji, I just want to really know what was going on with him and Jetun. I wish she would have been on there and told her side of the story. Like why was she acting that way towards him now especially when a baby is involved. It's just a sad story someone with so much promise a good athlete and student. Wasn't involved in the street life or gangs, life just cut short. But the hospital was wrong for what they did, but I do remember in the 80s it did take the ambulance forever to arrive and I'm not from Chicago. It was a sad but great story about his life.
they were very young
MAU MAU ALPHA MALE Oh. I didn't know that he was involved.
LaTonia Thedford Yea when I first watched this movie. I just wanted to know more and more. I just wished Jetun would have told her side of the story. And the guy that said......he wasn't a saint. I didn't think he was but he didn't deserve to be killed either!
Are you telling the truth? Because that's not what I read.
What I read, Benji did NOT gang bang, and was often getting into fights with boys from rival schools.
She was being a jealous B ! And his son looks just like him now it’s uncanny
EASILY ONE THE SADDEST BUT INTERESTING SPORTS
STORY I EVER HEARD
OF...THE BURNING
QUESTION...WHAT COULD'VE
BEEN
Imagine if Wilson, Bias, & Hank Gathers lived to go to the league
Don’t forget Len Bias.
Just FYI:When that guy said he had dreams that Benji came back and was able to play again...but just dreams...WELL it wasn't just dreams.
He had a son named Brandon who was 10 weeks old at the time of Benji's death. Brandon went on to College, than played Pro ball for the Wizards wearing his father's #25. Than he went into working for the Washington Police Academy for 5 years. It was reported he passed away early this year in a car accident. May they both R.I.P
OMG!!! How much grief can one family take?!!? May they both RIP 🙏
He was living in NYC…his mother left Chicago and married a cop in NYC….very sad
he would of made it look at all the tall skinny greats Garnett..Durant...and Benji
Almost 40 years later and we are still loosing our star athletes in the inner cities across the nation to gun violence. 😢
Like this video in video of Benjamin Wilson the GOAT of highs school
my pastor said the enemy can hinder the plan ..but he cant stop it my heart goes out for the wilson family and friends GOD KNOWS ALL AND SEE,S the hurt .this guy could have been a legend he could been a role model for our youth he could have been making commercials and and endorsing for big companies ..SMH...REST IN PEACE BENJI GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
I'm a Chicagoan and not a sports fan at all. I met MJ when I was a kid, my aunt played for Marshall HS and her daughter's father played with Jordan. I heard about Benji but didn't understand the story until one day "30 for 30" came on Viceland accidentally after Desus and Mero...I had no clue how much he meant. I've been obsessed ever since.
I totally believe his brother knew when Benji was shot. I had the same thing happen to me when my brother was stabbed. I had a dream that someone was stabbing me at the same time it occurred. Thank God 🙏 my brother lived. My heart goes out to this family forever.
39 years later rih Benji Wilson my big cousin went to Simeon high school with Benji he even went to his funeral 😢