CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– To scores of Fighting Illini fans in the 1980s, the lob pass from Bruce Douglas to Efrem Winters was both a thing of beauty and fury, as Winters would complete the play with resounding slam dunks, solidifying the 6-9 post player from Chicago as an all-time favorite.
Remembered as one of the main players who helped Illinois Basketball return to national prominence, Winters died Monday at the age of 61 after battling an illness for several years.
A McDonald's All-American at Chicago King High School, he joined a 1982 recruiting class that included Douglas, Doug Altenberger, Scott Meents and Reggie Woodward, helping set the stage for a long run of success under Coach Lou Henson.
Winters was a four-year starter for Henson with 120 games started in his Illini career from 1983-86, a number not surpassed until 2002.
Illinois compiled a 95-35 (.731) record during his career, with four consecutive 20+ win seasons and NCAA Tournament appearances. Winters was a first-team all-conference selection during his sophomore year in 1984, when Illinois won the Big Ten championship and advanced to the Elite Eight.
Winters finished his Illini career as the school's all-time rebounding leader and No. 3 scorer with 853 rebounds and 1,487 points. He was a fourth-round pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the 1986 NBA Draft.
Winters was retired after working for Pepper Construction Company and living in Aurora.
Information for any services was unavailable at time of posting.
