Michigan's famed basketball team, the Fab Five, came together for a reunion during a Michigan Wolverines basketball game on Monday. It marked the first time the group had attended a game on campus since their playing days three decades ago. The Wolverines secured a 73-65 victory over Ohio State, while the Fab Five, consisting of Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Jimmy King, Ray Jackson, and Juwan Howard, watched from the stands.
The reunion was significant, given the past differences between Webber and Rose, particularly regarding the narratives surrounding the NCAA scandal that resulted in the removal of two Final Four banners from the rafters of Crisler Center, Michigan's basketball arena. However, Webber and Rose have recently reconciled, engaging in conversations to rebuild their friendship.
Speaking at halftime of the game, Rose explained the importance of letting go of their disagreements and finding common ground, saying, 'If you're cry at somebody's funeral, you might as well get along with them while they're alive.' Webber echoed this sentiment, stating that their reconciliation had happened naturally and allowed them to support Michigan's current head coach, Juwan Howard.
Howard, who had previously suffered a serious health scare and undergone heart surgery amidst a challenging season, became a unifying factor for the Fab Five. Rose pointed out that witnessing Howard's struggle and subsequent surgery brought them together, emphasizing how important it was for them to support their former teammate and current coach.
Following the Wolverines' victory against Ohio State, the Fab Five posed for pictures at center court, marking a special moment for all involved. Howard expressed his belief that this reunion would not be the last, hinting at a future where the legendary basketball teammates continue to come together in support of their alma mater.
For Webber, who had been absent from Michigan home games for an extended period due to NCAA sanctions, this return was particularly meaningful. The NCAA had instructed the university to dissociate from Webber and a few other former players for a decade following a federal investigation that revealed financial improprieties during their college years. However, with the recent changes in college sports allowing athletes to profit from their image and likeness, Webber expressed his appreciation for the evolving landscape.
The Fab Five's impact on college basketball was undeniable during the early 1990s. The team's style, characterized by baggy shorts and black socks, became a trend across basketball courts nationwide. However, their success was marred by NCAA sanctions that included a postseason ban, loss of scholarships, and probation due to violations deemed severe by the organization.
As a result, Michigan took down the Final Four banners from 1992 and 1993, with the removed banners now stored in the university's historical library. While Webber stated that he had not given much thought to the banners during the reunion, Rose expressed a desire for Michigan to retire the numbers of the Fab Five or consider a single banner that incorporated all their numbers as a tribute to their impact on the program.
The Fab Five's reunion during the Michigan Wolverines' basketball game was a momentous occasion. It highlighted the power of reconciliation and friendship, symbolizing a new chapter for the once-divided teammates. As they continue to support their alma mater and pave the way for future generations of college athletes, the Fab Five's legacy remains alive in the hearts of basketball fans everywhere.
