The Sun-Times has launched a remarkable high school basketball Mount Rushmore project spotlighting the biggest stars and icons of the sport within the Chicago area.
This initiative focuses on stellar prep careers while incorporating post-high school success and overall impact to create a lasting legacy.
Among the ten geographical regions highlighted, none boast a lineage of high school basketball legends that compares to the South Side.
This area has produced a plethora of basketball superstars, and even with careful consideration, several legitimate icons were left out of the final selection for the South Side’s Mount Rushmore.
As fans of high school basketball reminisce, it’s astonishing to reflect on the greatness of those who were not included.
Prominent players such as Vocational’s Juwan Howard, King’s Efrem Winters, Jamie Brandon, and Rashard Griffith, as well as Simeon’s Nick Anderson, Deon Thomas, and Ben Wilson, all come to mind.
Moreover, Carver’s Tim Hardaway and Terry Cummings, Hirsch’s Rickey Green, DuSable’s Maurice Cheeks, and Morgan Park’s Levi Cobb and Ayo Dosunmu add to the impressive roster of talents that missed the cut.
However, the four players chosen for this prestigious recognition embody the spirit and skill that have defined basketball on the South Side.
**Marcus Liberty, King**
One of Illinois high school basketball’s most celebrated figures, Marcus Liberty left an indelible mark with his versatility and unique playing style at 6-8.
His monumental performance as a junior led King High School to an upset against the top-ranked and unbeaten Simeon during the city championship game, resulting in King’s first state title in 1986.
Liberty’s journey gained momentum over the summer before his senior year, as he was named the No. 1 prospect in the nation and graced the cover of Sports Illustrated.
His remarkable achievement of 143 points during the 1987 state tournament still stands as a Class AA record.
Liberty’s spectacular playoff performances included a game-high 41 points in a supersectional victory, 38 points in the state semifinals, and an impressive 41 points along with 15 rebounds in the title-game loss to East St. Louis Lincoln.
Following his high school success, Liberty continued to shine at Illinois, contributing to the famed “Flyin’ Illini” team that reached the Final Four in 1989.
**Jabari Parker, Simeon**
Jabari Parker’s high school career stands as one of the most storied in basketball history.
Even before he stepped foot on the court, the anticipation surrounding Parker was palpable, making him one of the best freshman talents in state history and the first freshman to start at powerhouse Simeon.
As his high school journey unfolded, Parker’s legacy only grew.
He became the top-ranked high school basketball prospect in the nation, appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and was named a McDonald’s All-American.
Remarkably, he was one of only two players in state history to be awarded the title of Mr. Basketball twice.
At 6-8, his game exhibited a skillful and versatile approach, allowing him to excel in every position on the court for the Wolverines.
Parker capped his senior season by averaging 18.3 points and 10.4 rebounds, leading Simeon to back-to-back state championships and eliminating standout opponents like Jahlil Okafor and Young as well as Jalen Brunson and Stevenson.
Over his four seasons, Parker guided Simeon to an unprecedented four consecutive state championships and an impressive 118 victories.
He eventually signed with Duke, only to enter the NBA after one season, where he was the No. 2 pick in the 2014 draft.
**Derrick Rose, Simeon**
Among the electric talents in high school basketball history, Derrick Rose is a name that resonates deeply with fans, especially during his tenure with the Bulls, where he became the youngest MVP in league history.
Hailing from Englewood, Rose’s generational talent captivated audiences with unmatched athletic ability, incredible speed, and explosive playing style.
In high school, Rose demonstrated an ability to fill arenas, establishing a legacy that is sure to endure for years to come.
During his junior and senior years, he led Simeon to an impressive 66 wins and two consecutive city and state titles in 2006 and 2007.
The high school stage bore witness to some of Rose’s most unforgettable moments, including a thrilling game-winning shot with just 1.6 seconds left in overtime against Peoria Richwoods during the 2006 state championship.
His landmark 28-point, nine-assist, and eight-rebound outing against unbeaten Oak Hill aired live on ESPN and solidified his reputation as a top-tier player.
Rose was honored as a McDonald’s All-American, Mr. Basketball, and Sun-Times Player of the Year, making him a consensus top-five player nationally before choosing to play at Memphis, leading the Tigers to a national runner-up finish as a freshman.
**Cazzie Russell, Carver**
Long before achieving greatness at the collegiate and professional levels, Cazzie Russell emerged as one of the first high school basketball megastars in Chicago.
Before his extraordinary three-time All-American career at Michigan and being the No. 1 pick in the 1966 NBA Draft, Russell made waves by guiding Carver to a city title.
During his senior year, Russell left an unforgettable mark by scoring 22 points in a quarterfinal upset against the top-ranked Centralia.
He followed that display with a 25-point performance in the semifinals against McLeansboro and recorded 24 points in a closely-fought title match against Stephen Decatur.
Even decades after his graduation in 1962, Russell remains an iconic figure in high school basketball, having been voted the top high school player produced in the Chicago area in a Sun-Times survey conducted in 2002.
These four players—Marcus Liberty, Jabari Parker, Derrick Rose, and Cazzie Russell—symbolize the extraordinary talent and legacy of South Side basketball, making them worthy additions to this Mount Rushmore.
image source from：https://chicago.suntimes.com/high-school-basketball/2025/06/15/high-school-basketball-public-league-south-side
