More Greats From the Past: Seven Decades of Illinois High School Basketball's Best

More reader-submitted Illinois high school basketball greats — from Bob Bender and Tom Hawkins in the 1950s to Steve Bardo in the 1980s. Seven decades of overlooked legends.

In the last week I have received more names of outstanding Illinois high school players that are remembered in high school basketball lore. Here are some of their names and accomplishments.

1950s

Tom Hawkins — Chicago Parker

An All-State player who averaged over 20 points a game as a senior and led Parker to a 2nd-place finish in the state tournament. Went on to become a 2nd-team All-American at Notre Dame and was drafted by the Lakers.

"Bumpy" Nixon — Galesburg

Played into 1960. Hall of Fame coach John Thiel called Nixon "the best basketball player he ever coached." Nixon started as a sophomore at Quincy HS before transferring to Galesburg, where he led the Streaks to back-to-back state tournament appearances in '59 and '60. A 2x All-State player and High School All-American.

1960s

Dale Kelly — Galesburg

Scored 1,194 career points, including 813 his senior year. All-State before signing to play at Northwestern, where he made All-Big Ten.

Bob Lackey — Evanston

Led Evanston to a state championship and a 30-1 record in '68. Averaged 16 points as a senior and was All-State. Played at Casper JC before going to Marquette. A first-round draft pick for the Nets in the ABA.

1970s

Bob Bender — Bloomington

Led Bloomington to an Elite 8 appearance after a 45-year drought. Scored 1,723 points in his career, averaging 22 points a game as a senior. All-State and Parade All-American, considered the #1 point guard in the country. Signed with Indiana before transferring to Duke.

Teddy Grubbs — Chicago King

Many Chicago high school basketball fans claim Grubbs is one of the best players to ever play in the Chicago Public League. An All-State player and High School All-American.

Rick Suttle — East St. Louis Assumption

A 2x All-State player and Parade All-American. Played at Kansas and helped lead them to an NCAA Final Four in '74.

1980s

Steve Bardo — Carbondale

Averaged 19 points and 9 rebounds his senior year. Signed to play with the Illini and was a key part of their great teams of the '80s. All-State, and went on to be named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in '89. Drafted by the Spurs.

There are other players that I will continue to recognize in the coming weeks. Please send me more than just a name if you want me to post "your" player — I need a school, a year, and some reason why he should be considered elite.