Efrem Winters was 61 years old when he passed away on January 27, 2025.
Highlights
- Winters kept details about his parents and family life private, choosing to shield them from the public eye.
- Winters was a standout player at King High School and the University of Illinois, earning accolades such as MVP in the 1982 McDonald’s All-American Game and leading his college team to significant successes.
- After his college basketball career, Winters transitioned to a career in construction, working for Pepper Construction in Chicago until his retirement.
Efrem Winters, a name synonymous with Illinois basketball, passed away on January 27, 2025, at the age of 61, after a lengthy illness in Aurora, Illinois, where he had been residing with his family.
Known for his towering presence on the court and his humble demeanor off it, Winters left an indelible mark on the sport and the community.
RIP Efrem Winters. #Illini legend. The alley-oop play from Bruce Douglas was always electric. pic.twitter.com/izkkvYRY8d
— Chris Calvin (@ChrisCalvin1908) January 27, 2025
Efrem Was Named After Actor Efrem Zimbalist Jr.
Details about Efrem Winters’ parents remain scarce, as he kept his familial life private throughout his career and life.
Despite his public persona, Winters chose to shield his family from the limelight, allowing them to live away from the public eye.
However, it is known that he was named after actor Efrem Zimbalist Jr. at the suggestion of his older sister.
Winters’ siblings and close friends have shared heartfelt tributes following his passing.
Bruce Douglas, a former Illinois teammate and close friend, described Winters as “very humble, very generous, and very loving.”
He added,
We were both from big families, mother’s boys, and Efrem liked being at home.
chicago.suntimes.com
He was like a brother to me. Very humble, very generous and very loving. That’s how he showed up to our locker room, and that’s how he was until the end. You could always count on ‘Big E.’
Efrem Winters Was A Devoted Family Man
Winters was married and had children, though specific details about his spouse and children are not widely known.
Bruce Douglas said in a recent interview,
He was a father, a grandfather, husband, went to work every day, worked hard, loved life, always tried to do the right thing.’
chicago.suntimes.com
He was known to be a loving father and a supportive husband, always prioritizing his family’s well-being.
He Had An Illustrious Collegiate Career But Failed To Make A Mark In The NBA
Efrem Winters’ basketball journey began at Chicago’s King High School, where he quickly made a name for himself as a standout player.
His talent earned him a spot in the 1982 McDonald’s All-American Game, where he was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
This accolade set the stage for his illustrious college career at the University of Illinois.
• On this date 42 years ago – Apr. 15, 1982 – Lou Henson's @IlliniMBB staff signed a quintet of high school stars that included Bruce Douglas, Efrem Winters, Doug Altenberger, Scott Meents and Reggie Woodward. pic.twitter.com/4Vq1MA9hgb
— Mike Pearson (@illinilegends) April 15, 2024
Winters played for the Illinois Fighting Illini from 1982 to 1986, starting in 129 of 130 games during his four-year tenure.
He was a key player in the team’s success, helping them secure a Big Ten Conference championship in 1984 and reaching the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament.
Winters’ impressive stats included being the all-time rebounding leader and the third-highest scorer in Illinois history at the time of his graduation.
Despite his college success, Winters’ professional career did not take off as expected.
The Atlanta Hawks drafted him in the fourth round of the 1986 NBA Draft but did not make the team.
Instead, Winters transitioned to a career in construction, working for Pepper Construction in Chicago until his retirement.
Efrem Winters Will Be Deeply Missed
Winters’ passing has been met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from the basketball community and beyond.
His former teammates, friends, and fans remember him as a gentle giant who always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone.
As one fan so eloquently wrote on Facebook,
I’m going to quote something NBA FALL OF FAMER from my city of Chicago Tim Hardaway had to say about the great basketball players from here. He said we are the Mecca. We had more basketball players from the city of Chicago who went into the NBA then any other city in this country. It’s the truth, look it up.
Facebook
And my condolences to the great Efrem Winters who just recently passed away. In Chicago this man put MLK HIGH SCHOOL ON THE MATH , DURING THE EARLY 1980’S. Went to the University Of Illinois after that he was drafted to NBA.
I would just like to send my condolences definitely to his family and friends. Thank you Brother for sharing the great talent with us God gifted you with. ALLEY OPP KING!!! You will be missed. R.I.P. Great Brother.
Efrem Winters will be missed.
Additional Information
- Efrem Winters passed away after a long battle with an undisclosed illness. His family and friends have not publicly shared specific details about the illness.
- In his sophomore season, Winters led the Illinois Fighting Illini to a tie for the Big Ten Conference championship with a 15-3 conference record. The team finished ranked #6 in the nation and advanced to the NCAA tournament, playing in the Mideast Regional.
