Nick Anderson started the tradition.
The Chicago Simeon product wore No. 25 during his playing days at Illinois to honor his high school teammate Ben Wilson, who was shot twice and killed prior to his senior season in 1984.
It was widely believed that Wilson, regarded as the nation’s top recruit, was headed to Illinois.
Since Anderson started wearing No. 25, Illinois players from Simeon have followed suit. Here’s a look:
Nick Anderson (1987-89)
A two-time team MVP and All-Big Ten honoree, the All-Century team selection averaged 16.9 points in his two seasons at Illinois, helping lead Lou Henson’s Flyin’ Illini to the 1989 Final Four.