Ep 3. Benji (Coodie & Chike)

"Benji" is the third episode of season two of the Emmy Award-winning series "30 for 30" and it is directed by Coodie & Chike. This documentary tells the story of Ben Wilson, a rising basketball star from Chicago who was tragically murdered just days before his senior year in high school.

The episode provides a detailed account of Ben Wilson's life, from his early days playing basketball on the playgrounds of Chicago's South Side to his ascension as one of the best high school players in the country. The filmmakers use a mix of archival footage, newsreels, and interviews with Wilson's family, friends, teammates, and coaches to paint a portrait of a talented and charismatic young man who had the potential to change the game of basketball.

The episode also delves into the social and political climate of Chicago in the mid-1980s, a city that was beset by racial tension, drug violence, and inequality. Wilson's death in 1984 at the age of 17 was a shock to the basketball world and a symbol of the senseless violence that plagued the city.

Through interviews with Wilson's family members and friends, the filmmakers explore the impact that his death had on them and the wider community. Wilson's mother, father, and siblings all speak candidly about their grief and how they have tried to keep his memory alive over the years.

The episode is also a tribute to the legacy of Ben Wilson. Despite his brief career, Wilson left an indelible mark on the basketball world and inspired a generation of young players to follow in his footsteps. The filmmakers use interviews with current NBA stars like Derrick Rose and Anthony Davis to show how Wilson's talent and style of play influenced them.

"Benji" is a moving and powerful episode of "30 for 30" that pays tribute to a young athlete who was taken too soon. It is a gripping and emotional story that will resonate with anyone who has lost someone they love or who has been touched by the violence that plagues many of our cities. This episode is a must-watch for basketball fans, but also for anyone who wants to understand the impact that one person can have on a community.