Ben Wilson Biography: Age, Girlfriend, Career, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Stats, Team, Death

Benjamin Wilson Jr., professionally known as Ben Wilson, was a highly regarded American high school basketball prodigy from Chicago’s South Side, widely considered the top prep player in the United States during the 1984–85 season while starring at Simeon Career Academy.

Standing at 6’8″ with exceptional skill, vision, and work ethic, he drew comparisons to Magic Johnson and attracted major college interest before his life was tragically cut short at age 17 following a shooting incident near his school.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Benjamin Wilson Jr.
• Stage Name: Ben Wilson
• Born: March 18, 1967
• Died: November 24, 1984
• Age: 17 Years old
• Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: African American
• Occupation: High school basketball player
• Height: 2.03 m
• Religion: Christian
• Parents: Benjamin Wilson Sr. and Mary Wilson
• Siblings: Curtis Glenn, Anthony Wilson, Jeffrey Wilson
• Spouse: None
• Partner: Jetun Rush (ex)
• Children: Brandon Wilson
• Relationship: Dating
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life and Education

Ben Wilson was born on March 18, 1967, in Chicago.

He was the son of Benjamin Wilson Sr. and Mary Wilson and had siblings including half-brother Curtis Glenn, as well as brothers Anthony and Jeffrey Wilson.

He attended Martha M. Ruggles Elementary School, St. Dorothy’s School, and later Simeon Career Academy, where he excelled both academically and athletically.

Raised in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood, he grew up in an African American family grounded in Christian values, discipline, and a strong emphasis on education and personal responsibility.

Career

Ben Wilson emerged as a basketball standout at Simeon Career Academy, developing into a versatile 6’8″ forward known for his ball-handling, passing, scoring, and leadership.

By his senior year in 1984, he had earned national recognition as the No. 1 high school player in America — the first from Chicago to achieve that distinction — after dominating camps and earning praise from scouts and coaches.

His coach described him as “Magic Johnson with a jump shot,” and he had narrowed college choices to programs like Illinois, DePaul, and Indiana while maintaining strong grades and a mature off-court demeanor.

Tragically, Wilson’s promising career ended before his senior season opener when he was shot on November 20, 1984, during a confrontation near school involving his girlfriend Jetun Rush.

He died the next day at St. Bernard Hospital.

His death shocked the city and basketball community, sparking widespread mourning and highlighting issues of youth violence.

Wilson’s impact endures through the players who have worn his No. 25 jersey in his honor and documentaries like ESPN’s Benji, which celebrate his talent, character, and what-if legacy as one of Chicago’s greatest lost prospects.

Awards and Nominations

• Ranked No. 1 high school basketball player in the United States (1984)

Social Media

Ben Wilson does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Ben Wilson, the 6’8″ basketball phenom who stood at an imposing height for his age, was in a relationship with Jetun Rush, with whom he had a son, Brandon Wilson, born in September 1984.

He was actively trying to be involved in his infant son’s life at the time of the incident that led to his death.

Wilson was remembered by family and friends as a disciplined, respectful, and outgoing young man with strong morals who mentored neighborhood youth and prioritized hard work both on and off the court.

Net Worth

Ben Wilson did not accumulate personal wealth as he was still a high school student at the time of his death in 1984.

His family later received an undisclosed civil settlement related to the incident, intended to support his parents and young son.

His lasting value rests in his basketball legacy rather than financial assets, with continued tributes and media projects preserving his story for future generations.