News Summary

The High School Basketball Mount Rushmore project celebrates the legacy of iconic basketball players from the south suburbs of Chicago. This initiative highlights stars who have shaped the sport over a century, focusing on their achievements both in high school and beyond. With contributions from players like Kendall Gill and Dwyane Wade, the project emphasizes the region’s deep-rooted basketball culture and history. Through the Mount Rushmore project, the memories and impacts of these legends continue to inspire future generations of players and fans.

South Suburban Chicago Basketball Legends Honored in High School Mount Rushmore Project

In the vibrant city of Chicago, basketball is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life. And now, this passion is being celebrated through an exciting initiative—the High School Basketball Mount Rushmore project. This project shines a spotlight on the biggest names and greatest stars of high school basketball in the Windy City and its surrounding suburbs, including the south suburbs that have a rich and storied basketball history extending over 100 years.

A Celebration of Greatness

The Mount Rushmore project isn’t just about recognizing talent; it’s about understanding what makes each player special and the impact they’ve had on the game. This project splits the Chicago area into ten different geographical regions, each getting its own Mount Rushmore. In these areas, preparation careers combine with post-high school success to create a full picture of basketball greatness.

In the south suburbs, the legacy runs deep with players who have not just made a mark in high school but have often gone on to find success at the collegiate level and beyond. This notable region has its unique passion for basketball, setting it apart from other suburban areas. Several standout players have been acknowledged, showing that talent truly blossoms in this corner of the Midwest.

Meet the Legends

Among the legends of south suburban Chicago basketball are names you might recognize, like Kendall Gill from Rich Central and Julian Wright from Homewood-Flossmoor. There’s also Tyler Ulis of Marian Catholic fame and Tracy Webster from Thornton. Each of these players has contributed to the area’s storied basketball culture. Other dynamic guards, such as Brandon Cole (Bloom) and Townsend Orr (Thornridge), have also been celebrated for their impressive skills on the court.

But that’s not where the list ends. Jerel McNeal from Hillcrest garnered attention for his all-around game, showing just how versatile and significant players from this region can be. When diving deep into basketball history, one might come across older players like Audie Matthews (Bloom) and Lou Boudreau (Thornton) who laid the groundwork for future stars.

Even though more recent standouts like Morez Johnson and Alonzo Verge transferred to Thornton for a year and made their mark, they didn’t make it onto the Mount Rushmore. However, four exceptional players have solidified their statuses as the best of the best from this area.

A Legacy of Excellence

The basketball tradition at Thornton High School, in particular, is remarkable, boasting a history of success that dates back decades, including a state championship win in 1933. The standout player, Lloyd Batts, is often regarded as one of Thornton’s greatest. Batts created a new era of play styles and dominated the court, averaging 29 points per game as a junior and 35 points as a senior. Although he didn’t reach the state finals, he went on to score 1,585 points at the University of Cincinnati and had an illustrious ten-year career in the ABA and overseas.

Another titan in south suburban basketball history is Quinn Buckner, who led Thornridge to back-to-back championships in the 1970s, showcasing a remarkable 58-game winning streak. Buckner’s senior year was impressive, finishing with a 33-0 record. His talents didn’t go unnoticed, leading to a successful professional career after being drafted into the NBA.

Moving on to Eddy Curry who made waves at Thornwood, leading his team to the state-title game in 2001. With impressive averages of 25 points and 14 rebounds, he not only put Thornwood in the spotlight but was also selected fourth overall by the Chicago Bulls that same year.

Lastly, no discussion about south suburban basketball legends would be complete without mentioning Dwyane Wade. From humble beginnings to becoming a defining player in the league, Wade led Marquette to the Final Four before being drafted fifth overall by the Miami Heat. He went on to have a stellar career, including being a 13-time NBA All-Star and earning his place in the Hall of Fame in 2023.

Conclusion

As we celebrate the legends of high school basketball in south suburban Chicago, it’s clear that these players not only shaped their teams but also left an indelible mark on the history of the sport. The Mount Rushmore project helps keep their stories alive, ensuring that the passion for basketball continues to thrive in this vibrant corner of the city for generations to come.

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