Many overlook the statue of the famous basketball player outside of Anderson High School’s north entrance, while others do not recognize him at all. Melody Hull, a former president of the Madison County Historical Society, shares her thoughts on Johnny Wilson: “He was a local legend.”

According to “Jump, Johnny, Jump!”, a book about Wilson by Dick Burdette, Wilson always wanted to be an Anderson High School Indian, even from a young age. He dreamed of playing basketball in the Wigwam.

Wilson had big shoes to fill when he entered Anderson High School in 1943. People of color were typically limited to high school sports teams at the time. The Anderson Indians won the state basketball championship previously in 1935 and 1937. Pre-season polls predicted the Indians to win the state championship in the coming years after.

Although Wilson started on the B-team his freshman year, he would eventually come to prove himself. During the state championship his senior year in 1946, Wilson scored 30 out of the 67 points against Fort Wayne Central. Anderson High School took the win in the state championship 67-53.

Not only did Wilson play basketball, he also played football and ran track. During his junior football season, he had broken his collar bone and still managed to play his basketball season despite his injury. He was encouraged to do multiple sports during high school by his coach, Charles Cummings. Cummings coached all three of the sports that Wilson was involved in, supporting him through it all.

Hull said that, along with his statue, Wilson is also honored with a mural outside of the LM Products building. The mural includes Wilson with his close friend, Carl Erskine, emphasizing their friendship. The mural is titled “Lifelong Brotherhood” located at 1325 Meridian Street in Anderson, Indiana.

Even after his passing, Wilson’s legacy continues to be honored in Anderson.