Chicago police discovered the body of former high school basketball coach Tim Bankston early on July 29, 2026, inside a home on the city's South Side. The 60‑year‑old was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound, and authorities have classified the incident as a homicide.
Bankston left a lasting imprint on Chicago basketball. A standout at Simeon High School in the 1980s, he helped the Wolverines capture the 1984 state championship, a title overshadowed by the tragic death of teammate Ben Wilson, a 17‑year‑old phenom whose own promising career was cut short that same year.
After high school, Bankston played one season at Bradley University before completing his collegiate career at Loyola University Chicago. He returned to the Chicago area to coach at T.F. North High School in Calumet City, where he mentored generations of players, many of whom credit him with steering them away from adversity and toward college and professional opportunities.
A Community in Mourning
Timothy Bankston Jr., the coach’s son, described his father as the central figure of his life, saying the loss has left a void that words cannot fill. Former player Wayne Montgomery, who lost his own father early, called Bankston a surrogate father and lifelong mentor, while longtime friend Karolyn Wright highlighted his unwavering support.
In recognition of his contributions, Bankston was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2004. The honor reflects not only his on‑court successes but also his off‑court impact as a teacher, role model and community leader.
Detectives have not yet made any arrests, and the investigation remains ongoing. Police are asking anyone with information to come forward, while the city’s basketball community continues to rally around the Bankston family, planning memorials and scholarships in his name.