Stacey King, a longtime voice of the Chicago Bulls and a native of River Forest, died suddenly on June 7, leaving a void in the local sports community. His presence at Oak Park and River Forest High School (OPRF) games was more than ceremonial; he regularly invited players to Bulls broadcasts and fostered a personal connection with the team.
The news hit especially hard at OPRF, where Coach Phil Gary described King as one of the nicest people he had ever met. Gary has become a daily source of support for Acoya King, the broadcaster’s nephew and a member of the Huskies roster, offering him a shoulder to lean on as he processes the loss.
Acoya King missed the previous season with an injury and is still grieving his uncle’s death. While the team rallies around him, Gary’s steady guidance provides a stable outlet for a young athlete coping with profound sorrow.
On the court, the Huskies have shown marked improvement in summer competition. They hold an 11‑4 overall record and a 6‑2 mark at NCAA Live Event games, a stark contrast to recent lean years. Rising junior Trent Williams, along with teammates D'Angelo Perkins and Owen Towne, credit the newfound chemistry and King’s memory as fuel for their determination.
A Season of Hope
With Acoya headed to Kishwaukee Community College next year, the team hopes to honor King’s legacy while building on the momentum they have gained. The players speak of playing for more than a win; they play to keep a mentor’s spirit alive and to prove that the chemistry they have cultivated can translate into a breakthrough season.