he Fab Five, a legendary group of basketball players from the University of Michigan in the early 1990s, reunited on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, marking the first time all five members were together at Crisler Center since their playing days. Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Jimmy King, Ray Jackson, and their former teammate, now head coach Juwan Howard, gathered courtside to witness the Wolverines take on Ohio State.
The reunion was particularly significant given the complex history between some members of the Fab Five. Rose and Webber, who had been estranged for a long time, recently started to mend their relationship. The turning point came when Webber was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in May 2021. Rose, expressing the reconciliation, tweeted, “My brother,” accompanied by a pregame picture standing next to Webber.
The quartet, along with Howard, received a warm welcome from the crowd, with a standing ovation when shown on the jumbotron late in the first half. The Fab Five played a crucial role in Michigan basketball, leading the team to the national championship games in 1992 and 1993 as freshmen and sophomores.
Howard, now in his fifth season as the head coach, has faced challenges both on and off the court. The Wolverines had a tough 2022 season, breaking a five-game losing streak with a 73-65 win against Ohio State on this particular day. Howard’s tenure has been marked by ups and downs, including a recovery from a September heart procedure and reported conflicts with his strength coach in December.
Despite the difficulties, the Fab Five, known for their bond and achievements during their playing days, stood by Howard during this trying season. Their support was evident as they watched the game and hugged Howard as he walked off the court at halftime with a surprising lead over the rival Buckeyes.
The relationship between Webber and Michigan had its share of challenges, dating back to Webber’s association with the late Michigan booster Ed Martin. In 2003, Webber pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal contempt related to financial transactions with Martin. The fallout from this scandal led to Michigan forfeiting wins from Webber’s two seasons and removing Final Four banners from Crisler Center. The NCAA also imposed a 10-year ban on Webber’s association with Michigan basketball.
Webber’s refusal to attend previous Fab Five reunions or participate in ESPN’s 2011 “30 for 30” documentary on the Fab Five added to the friction. However, his induction into the Hall of Fame seemed to serve as a catalyst for healing old wounds, as evidenced by his reconciliation with Rose.
Rose, in a 2019 statement, had expressed optimism that Howard’s hiring as head coach would help resolve past issues. During a Monday in-game interview on Fox TV broadcast, Rose mentioned that Michigan had not acknowledged the Fab Five properly for years, even when he was a donor. He credited Howard’s hiring and also acknowledged the role of athletic director Warde Manuel in addressing these concerns.
The Fab Five’s presence at Crisler Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Day not only symbolized a reunion of basketball greats but also showcased the enduring bond among teammates, transcending past conflicts. As they supported Howard and the Wolverines, it was a moment that resonated with fans and basketball enthusiasts alike, celebrating both the team’s history and its potential for future success.